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Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe

Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe

This pepper belly pete chili recipe is a bold, smoky, Texas-style chili packed with rich beef, layered spices, and slow-cooked flavor. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or chili cook-offs, this dish delivers an authentic award-winning chili experience right at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20
  • 1 lb chuck roast cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 lb sausage optional
Vegetables & Peppers
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 jalapeños chopped
  • 1 cup Hatch or Anaheim peppers chopped
Base Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
Spices
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional
  • 1 can kidney or pinto beans drained

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle (for serving)

Method
 

Step 1. Brown the Meat
  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef, chuck roast, and sausage until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
    Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe
Step 2. Cook the Aromatics
  1. Remove excess grease, then add chopped onion, garlic, jalapeños, and Hatch peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
    Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe
Step 3. Build the Tomato Base
  1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to deepen in color and flavor.
    Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe
Step 4. Add and Toast the Spices
  1. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the spices toast for about 1 minute.
    Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe
Step 5. Deglaze and Combine Liquids
  1. Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, then add the tomato sauce and mix thoroughly.
    Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe
Step 6. Slow Simmer the Chili
  1. Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until thick and rich.
    Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe
Step 7. Finish and Adjust Flavor
  1. Add beans if using, simmer for another 15–20 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
    Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, let the chili rest for at least 20 minutes before serving.
  • This chili tastes even better the next day.
  • Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing jalapeños.