Spicy Queso Beef Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces) mixed chili beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 poblano peppers, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) fire-roasted tomatoes, crushed
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• 1 avocado, sliced (for garnish)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Greek yogurt or sour cream (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Sear ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and crumbled, approximately 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Transfer the cooked beef to a crockpot and incorporate diced onions, chopped poblano peppers, and aromatic spices including chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

3. 3

   Pour fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, diced green chilies, hot sauce, melted butter, and broth into the crockpot. Add bay leaves and season with salt, mixing ingredients thoroughly.

4. 4

   Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 4-5 hours, ensuring ingredients meld together and develop rich flavors.

5. 5

   During the final cooking stage, fold in cream cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chili beans, blending until cheese is completely integrated.

6. 6

   Carefully ladle the robust chili into serving bowls, garnishing with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions.

7. 7

   Complement the hearty chili with crisp tortilla chips or warm beer bread for a satisfying meal experience.