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Spicy Steak Chili

Bold, Hearty, and Packed with Tender Beef and Fiery Flavor

If you love chili with serious flavor and just the right amount of heat, this Spicy Steak Chili is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Loaded with tender chunks of steak, hearty beans, sweet onions, smoky spices, and fresh jalapeños, every spoonful delivers rich, slow-simmered flavor with a satisfying kick.

This isn’t your average chili. Instead of ground beef, this recipe features juicy cubes of steak that become melt-in-your-mouth tender as they simmer in a bold tomato broth infused with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and green chiles.

Perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, weekend meal prep, or anytime you’re craving a bowl of something warm, hearty, and unforgettable. And if you’re serving this to a crowd, don’t forget the cornbread—it’s the perfect partner for soaking up every drop of that spicy broth.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Steak Chili

Big, Bold Flavor

Tender steak, smoky spices, and jalapeños create layers of rich flavor in every bite.

Perfect Heat Level

Just enough spice to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the dish.

Great for Feeding a Crowd

This recipe makes a large batch, making it perfect for parties, game day, or family dinners.

Even Better the Next Day

The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers absolutely incredible.

What Is Spicy Steak Chili?

Spicy Steak Chili is a hearty variation of classic chili made with cubes of steak instead of ground beef. The beef is seared until golden brown, then slowly simmered with onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, beans, green chiles, and warming spices until rich, thick, and deeply flavorful.

It’s rustic, comforting, and loaded with bold southwestern flavor.

As they say—the best chili should warm both your belly and your soul.

Quick Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Calories: 470 per serving

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 pounds bottom round roast, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, diced
  • 2 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4.5 ounces) chopped green chiles
  • 2 cups beef broth, plus more if needed

Kitchen Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Beef

Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels.

Season evenly with:

  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

This helps build a flavorful crust during searing.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet over high heat.

Working in batches, add the beef cubes in a single layer.

Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until deeply browned.

Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Transfer browned beef to a plate.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium-high.

In the same pot, add:

  • Diced onions
  • Jalapeños

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Chili Base

Stir in:

  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin

Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their aroma.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

Pour in:

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Black beans
  • Kidney beans
  • Green chiles
  • Beef broth

Return the seared steak to the pot.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Simmer Low and Slow

Reduce heat to low.

Cover partially and simmer for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The longer it cooks, the more tender the steak becomes.

If needed, add extra beef broth to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Top with your favorite garnishes and enjoy.

Best Toppings for Steak Chili

Take your chili to the next level with:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocado
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Green onions
  • Lime wedges

What to Serve with Spicy Steak Chili

This hearty chili pairs perfectly with:

  • Cornbread
  • Garlic bread
  • Buttermilk biscuits
  • Rice
  • Baked potatoes
  • Tortilla chips
  • Side salad

Expert Tips

Use the Right Cut

Bottom round roast works beautifully, but you can also use:

  • Chuck roast
  • Sirloin tips
  • Stew meat

Control the Heat

For milder chili:

  • Use only 1 jalapeño
  • Remove all seeds
  • Reduce green chiles

For extra heat:

  • Add cayenne pepper
  • Leave jalapeño seeds intact
  • Add chipotle peppers

Brown in Batches

Crowding the pan causes steaming instead of browning.

Let It Simmer

More simmer time = more tender steak and richer flavor.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 6 months.

Label and date your container for easy meal prep.

Reheating

Stovetop

Reheat over medium-low heat until hot.

Add a splash of beef broth if needed.

Microwave

Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring between each.

Delicious Variations

Texas Style

Skip the beans for an authentic Texas-style chili.

Smoky Version

Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Beer Chili

Replace 1 cup broth with dark beer.

Extra Veggies

Add corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

This Spicy Steak Chili is bold, comforting, and loaded with rich, slow-simmered flavor. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a hungry game-day crowd, this chili always delivers big flavor in every spoonful.