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cajun chili recipe
Aldrick Winters

cajun chili recipe

A bold, smoky chili packed with Cajun spices, tender beef, and hearty beans. It has a rich, slightly spicy flavor with a deep, slow-simmered texture—perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, then add diced onion and bell pepper; cook until softened and slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon until no pink remains.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and spices, cooking for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes deep red and aromatic.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth, stirring until fully combined and slightly thickened
  6. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 40–45 minutes.
  7. Stir occasionally as it cooks, allowing the flavors to deepen and the chili to thicken to a hearty consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat once the texture is rich and slightly thick.

Video

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, let the chili sit for 15–20 minutes before serving.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
  • This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed.