Description
Spicy Cream Cheese Chili is a hearty, creamy twist on classic chili, made with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices all simmered together, then finished with cream cheese for a rich, velvety kick of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2–3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef (or turkey) with onion and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn (if using), broth, and all seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cut cream cheese into cubes and stir into the chili until fully melted and incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños.
Notes
- Make it spicier by adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce.
- For a low-carb version, skip the beans and add extra vegetables like zucchini or peppers.
- This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: spicy chili, cream cheese chili, hearty chili recipe, stovetop chili, easy weeknight dinner