Pancetta Beef Chili

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hours 30 minutes Serves: 6-8.

Why I Love This Dish

This dish takes the classic comfort of chili and elevates it to something special. The rich and spicy flavors come together beautifully, with a smoky kick from the chipotle peppers and a hint of sweetness from the honey to balance the heat. It's not your typical chili—it's a little fancy, thanks to the pancetta, which adds a savory depth to every bite. This chili feels hearty and satisfying yet sophisticated, making it perfect for both casual weeknights and when I want to impress guests with something unique and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces pancetta, diced

• 1 pound 85/15 ground beef*

• Seasoning for Beef:

  • Kinder's seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder blend)

• Spices:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon mild taco seasoning (I use Siete brand)

• Vegetables & Liquids:

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced

  • 2 bell peppers, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

  • 1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (use only 1-3 chipotle peppers & all remaining sauce)*

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans organic black beans, drained

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1/4 cup diced green onion (optional, for garnish)

  • Shredded Mexican cheese (optional, for garnish)

  • Sour cream (optional, for garnish)

  • Sliced avocado (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook Pancetta: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the pancetta until browned and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan for flavor.

2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and season with Kinder's seasoning (salt, pepper, and garlic powder). Cook, breaking the meat into crumbles, until browned.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, diced yellow onion, and bell pepper to the beef. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

4. Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning, cinnamon, paprika, and mild taco seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.

5. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, 1 chopped chipotle pepper and all the adobo sauce, black beans, honey, and the cooked pancetta back into the pot. Stir well to combine.

6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with diced green onion, and optionally sour cream, cheese, or sliced avocado.

Notes

• Adding diced green onion as a garnish will bring a fresh, bright flavor to balance the rich chili.

• This chili is great for meal prep and freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop for the best results.