There’s something about chilly evenings that makes me crave a pot of hearty chili simmering away on the stove. This spicy steak chili is the kind of recipe I lean on when the weather turns cool and the air smells like fallen leaves. It’s bold, warming, and the kind of meal that seems to gather everyone around the table without needing an invitation.
The tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked onions, jalapenos, and the deep, rich spices create a chili that hits you with flavor right from the first spoonful. If you like a little kick in your meals, this one fits right in with cozy evenings, weekend cooking, or those nights when you want something comforting without much fuss.
How This Chili Became a Regular in My Kitchen
I grew up in a home where chili made frequent appearances during the colder months. Back then, it was usually the classic version made with ground meat. But over the years, I started cooking with larger cuts of beef more often, and one day I tossed thick cubes of steak into a pot instead of ground meat. That one small change completely shifted the experience.
The steak becomes incredibly tender as it cooks, almost melting into the chili while still giving each bite some substance. It reminded me of the slow-cooked meals my family used to make on weekends — hearty, rustic, and full of flavor. From then on, this version became the one I reach for whenever I want a chili that feels just a little more special.
What Makes This Chili Stand Out
This dish isn’t shy about flavor. The jalapenos bring noticeable heat, the onions soften into the broth, and the beef gives the whole pot a rich depth you can’t get from quicker versions. It’s that kind of recipe that fills the whole house with a smell that makes people drift into the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready.
Sometimes I add beans for extra heartiness; sometimes I skip them if I’m craving something meatier. The good thing about chili is that it’s flexible — you can adjust it based on what you have, what you like, or what kind of day you’re having.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Beef
Thick cubes of bottom round roast work beautifully here. They soften as the chili cooks and turn wonderfully tender. If you only have ground beef at home, that works too — just use a lighter hand with the oil. I personally enjoy the texture and richness that the steak brings.
Jalapeno Peppers
I’ve learned over time that jalapenos can be sneaky. Some are mild, some really bring the heat. Older peppers tend to be spicier and usually have tiny white marks on the skin. The younger ones have smooth, shiny skin and a gentler flavor. I pick based on who’s eating — if friends who love heat are coming over, I grab the older ones.
Onions
Yellow onions are my usual choice because they cook down nicely and add a sweet base to the chili, but white onions work just as well. Use whichever you have on hand.
How I Store and Reheat This Chili
In my home, this chili rarely lasts long, but when we do have leftovers, they make the next day even easier. I keep them in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge. It reheats beautifully on the stove with a splash of water to loosen it up.
If I make a double batch, I freeze half for later. It keeps well for months, and having a container of chili tucked away in the freezer feels like future-me is giving present-me a thoughtful gift.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes. Use fewer jalapenos for a milder version, or add an extra pepper if you want more heat.
Can I make this with ground beef?
Yes, you can replace the steak with ground beef. Use a bit less oil since ground meat releases its own fat.
Do beans work in this chili?
They do. You can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans depending on what you prefer.
Does this freeze well?
Yes. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, label them, and freeze for several months.
What can I serve with this chili?
Warm corn bread is always a good idea. I sometimes serve it with rice on the side or a simple green salad.
Spicy Steak Chili
A hearty pot of chili packed with tender steak, warm spices, and a bold kick of heat.
Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions, diced
- 3 pounds bottom round roast, cut into small cubes
- 2 medium jalapeño peppers, finely diced
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- 1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Coat the cubed steak evenly with the salt and pepper so the seasoning sticks well to the surface.
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat, then add a portion of the beef. Let the pieces brown deeply on each side before removing them; continue searing the rest in batches so the pan stays hot.
- Lower the heat slightly and add the onions and jalapeños to the same skillet. Allow them to soften and pick up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then stir in the garlic to release its aroma.
- Fold in the chili powder and cumin, followed by the tomatoes, both types of beans, the green chiles, and the broth. The mixture will begin to come together into a rich, spicy base.
- Return the seared beef to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently. Stir occasionally as it cooks for up to an hour, giving the steak time to become tender and the flavors to meld into a hearty, spicy chili.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 812Total Fat 48gSaturated Fat 18gUnsaturated Fat 29gCholesterol 259mgSodium 971mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 4gSugar 7gProtein 73g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This spicy steak chili is one of those dishes that feels like a small celebration every time it’s on the table. The warmth, the spice, the tender beef — it all comes together in a way that makes even a regular weeknight feel comforting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this pot has a way of bringing people together and making the evening just a bit cozier.
