Jalapeño Cheddar Beef Chili

There's nothing quite like a bowl of homemade chili on a cool evening—especially when it's loaded with bold flavors and premium ingredients. This Jalapeño Cheddar Beef Chili brings together smoky beef, creamy cheddar, and the perfect kick of jalapeño heat. It's the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and keeps you coming back for seconds.

The secret to great chili is layering flavors, and that's exactly what our Cousin Tony's Jalapeño Cheddar seasoning blend does. Combined with quality ground beef and fresh ingredients, you'll create a restaurant-worthy chili in your own kitchen.

What You'll Need

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2–3 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 3 tablespoons Cousin Tony's Jalapeño Cheddar Beef Chili seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Build the Base
Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in your Cousin Tony's Jalapeño Cheddar Beef Chili seasoning and stir well to coat the meat and vegetables. This is where the magic happens—let it bloom for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and kidney beans. Add your diced jalapeños. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow
Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Add the Cheese
Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. This adds richness and ties all the flavors together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chili hot with your favorite toppings: sour cream, extra cheddar, diced onions, fresh cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips. A crusty cornbread or warm flour tortillas on the side make it a complete meal. For game day or casual gatherings, set up a chili bar and let guests customize their bowls.

Why This Recipe Works

The Cousin Tony's Jalapeño Cheddar seasoning blend eliminates guesswork—it's formulated to balance heat, savory depth, and that signature cheddar richness. You're not just adding spice; you're adding a carefully crafted flavor profile that transforms simple ingredients into something special. The fresh jalapeños add brightness and texture, while the cheese creates a creamy finish that mellows the heat just enough.

This chili is perfect for meal prep, freezes beautifully, and tastes even better the next day when flavors have had time to develop. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, or bring it to your next potluck and watch it disappear.