Great chilis use the best meat! Try @caciquefoods Pork Chorizo for ultimate flavor
Great chilis use the best meat! Try @caciquefoods Pork Chorizo for ultimate flavor is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 6. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Jose.elcook on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 35 min | Total: 2 hrs 5 min
Cost: $33.26 total, $5.54 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz Kasika Pork Chorizo (3 packets, sliced or crumbled)
- 8 oz Ground Beef (85% lean, half‑pound)
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 1 large Bell Pepper (any color, diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cans Fire‑Roasted Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 4 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (mixed with a splash of broth)
- 2 cans Kidney Beans (15 oz each, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Mexican Crema (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Salsa Ranchera (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup Queso Fresco (crumbled, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the vegetables
Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set aside in a bowl.
Time: PT5M
Brown the meats
Heat the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat. Add the Kasika pork chorizo and ground beef, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat develops a deep brown color, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Season the meat
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Sauté aromatics
Push the meat to one side of the pot. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Combine liquids and beans
Return the browned meat to the center of the pot. Add the fire‑roasted tomatoes, beef broth, and the tomato paste mixed with a splash of broth. Stir to combine. Then add the drained and rinsed beans.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Bring to a boil
Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, letting it bubble around the edges.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: High
Simmer the chili
Reduce heat to low, uncovered, and let the chili simmer gently for 1 hour 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken and develop deep flavor.
Time: PT1H20M
Temperature: Low
Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of Mexican crema, a spoonful of salsa ranchera, and crumbled queso fresco.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains beef, Contains dairy, Gluten‑free if broth is gluten‑free
Allergens: Dairy (crema, queso fresco)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Kasika Pork Chorizo: Spanish chorizo, Mexican chorizo
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground pork
- Instead of Onion: shallot
- Instead of Bell Pepper: poblano pepper, red pepper
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fire‑Roasted Diced Tomatoes: regular diced tomatoes with smoked paprika
- Instead of Beef Broth: vegetable broth, water with bouillon
- Instead of Tomato Paste: tomato sauce (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Kidney Beans: black beans, pinto beans
- Instead of Chili Powder: cayenne + paprika
- Instead of Ground Cumin: cumin seeds (1 tsp, toasted)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Mexican oregano
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Mexican Crema: sour cream
- Instead of Salsa Ranchera: tomatillo salsa
- Instead of Queso Fresco: feta cheese
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy‑Bottom Pot
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon or Heat‑Resistant Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Can Opener
- Ladle
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the pork chorizo and ground beef for deep flavor
- Sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic until translucent
- Simmering the chili for at least 1 hour 20 minutes to achieve a thick, rich texture
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fire‑roasted tomatoes for authentic smoky depth
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth after browning meat to capture caramelized bits
- For extra richness, add a small knob of butter at the end of simmering
Troubleshooting
Chili is too thin
Continue simmering uncovered until it reaches desired consistency, or stir in a tablespoon of masa harina.
Chili is too thick
Add additional beef broth or water a few tablespoons at a time until the texture loosens.
Chili is not spicy enough
Increase chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper; a splash of hot sauce works too.
Chili is too spicy
Stir in a bit more Mexican crema or a teaspoon of sugar to balance heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3‑4 days
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly
Make-Ahead Tips
- The chili tastes better the next day as flavors meld; refrigerate overnight before reheating
- Portion and freeze for quick meals; thaw in refrigerator before reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Hearty Pork and Beef Chili in Mexican cuisine?
Chili has been a staple in Mexican households for centuries, originally made with native chilies, beans, and meat. Over time, regional variations added pork chorizo and beef, creating a richer, heartier version that is now popular for family gatherings and comfort meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of pork and beef chili in Mexico?
In northern Mexico, beef dominates and the chili is often spicier, while central regions incorporate pork chorizo and fire‑roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor. Some coastal versions add tomatillos and a touch of citrus.
How is Hearty Pork and Beef Chili traditionally served in Mexican households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with Mexican crema, crumbled queso fresco, and a spoonful of salsa ranchera. It is often accompanied by warm corn tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
During which celebrations or occasions is Hearty Pork and Beef Chili traditionally enjoyed in Mexican culture?
Chili is a go‑to dish for family gatherings, weekend lunches, and festive occasions like Día de los Muertos or holiday feasts, where its robust flavor feeds a crowd.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with Hearty Pork and Beef Chili?
Serve it alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh guacamole, or a simple corn salad. A side of grilled elote (Mexican street corn) also complements the smoky chili.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Mexican chili versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include pork chorizo, beef, fire‑roasted tomatoes, dried chilies, and beans. Substitutes can be Spanish chorizo for pork chorizo, ground turkey for beef, or canned diced tomatoes with smoked paprika if fire‑roasted tomatoes are unavailable.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Hearty Pork and Beef Chili?
Common errors include overcooking the meat, which makes it dry; not sautéing the aromatics long enough, resulting in a raw onion flavor; and simmering for too short a time, leaving the chili thin and lacking depth.
Why does this Hearty Pork and Beef Chili recipe use a long 1 hour 20 minute simmer instead of a quick boil?
A prolonged simmer allows the flavors from the chorizo, beef, spices, and beans to meld and the sauce to reduce, creating the thick, rich texture that defines a true Mexican chili.
Can I make Hearty Pork and Beef Chili ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the chili improves after resting. Cool it quickly, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Hearty Pork and Beef Chili is done cooking?
The chili should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, with a deep reddish‑brown color. The beans should be tender, and the meat should be fully cooked but still juicy.
What does the YouTube channel Jose.elcook specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jose.elcook specializes in bold, flavor‑forward Latin American home cooking, focusing on authentic techniques, hearty stews, and approachable recipes for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Jose.elcook's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
Jose.elcook emphasizes using pantry‑friendly ingredients like fire‑roasted canned tomatoes and readily available chorizo, while still honoring traditional flavor profiles, and he often shares personal tips for achieving restaurant‑quality results at home.
Last updated: September 2, 2026





