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Smoky Peanut Butter Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 149 reviews

Smoky Peanut Butter Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish combining lean ground beef with the rich creaminess of peanut butter and a smoky kick from ancho chile pepper and smoked paprika. Slow-cooked to perfection with vegetables, tomatoes, and green chiles, this chili offers a unique twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil or canola oil
  • 2–1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 large green pepper, chopped
  • 1 large red onion, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
  • 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic, undrained
  • 2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons ground ancho chile pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded smoked cheddar cheese
  • Chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the peanut or canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef in batches to prevent overcrowding and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring and breaking into crumbles until no longer pink. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and drain excess fat.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped green pepper, red onion, and carrot. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes until the vegetables start to brown slightly. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef, sautéed vegetables, and any drippings from the skillet into a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), chopped green chiles, creamy peanut butter, ground ancho chile pepper, kosher salt, and smoked paprika until everything is well combined.
  4. Slow Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
  5. Serve and Garnish: If desired, ladle the chili into bowls and top each serving with shredded smoked cheddar cheese and chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef keeps the chili healthier and less greasy.
  • You can adjust the amount of ancho chile pepper to control the heat level.
  • Peanut butter adds a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor, balancing the spices.
  • Slow cooking enhances the flavors, but you can also cook it on high for 2-3 hours if short on time.
  • For a spicier chili, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
  • Serve with cornbread or over rice to make a satisfying meal.

Keywords: chili, peanut butter chili, smoky chili recipe, slow cooker chili, ground beef chili, unique chili recipe

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/smoky-peanut-butter-chili-recipe/