This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Combining the smoky flavor of chipotles with the super-charged corn flavor of hominy, this Chipotle Chili recipe is quick and easy to make and is sure to become part of your chili rotation! Its flavor is even better the next day and it freezes well!

Flavor-Packed Chipotle Chili

Chili makes for some of the best comfort food, don’t you think? That rich red sauce loaded with beef and beans and a multitude of spices, then topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, and anything else your hungry little heart desires. Yes, chili was invented for those who appreciate good soul-satisfying food.

This chili enlists the help of spicy chipotles for a major flavor boost. Chipotles are smoke-dried jalapenos and man, are they good! Wonderfully potent, a little goes a long way but we’re going to double the dose for some extra oomph! This past summer I perfected my recipe for homemade chipotles in adobo sauce (smoking the jalapenos and then storing them in homemade adobo sauce) and I’ll be posting that recipe in the near future. You can find chipotles en adobo in most large grocery stores in the Mexican food section, at your local Mexican grocery store, or you can buy it online. Just don’t go making this chili without them because they’re a MUST! And for my DIY readers, check out my recipe for making your own chipotle peppers in adobo sauce!

Hominy Chili

Another great flavor element in this chili is hominy. Unless you live in the South, that’s probably not an ingredient you use very often. But hominy adds such a great flavor to this chili. Think of it as corn flavor on steroids. You can find canned hominy in most grocery stores.

Lastly, there’s the masa harina. Again, don’t skip over this ingredient. The concentrated corn flavor adds a fantastic touch to this chili and it’s also used in place of flour to add a little thickening. But it’s the flavor we’re after, so be sure to include it. You can find it in most large grocery stores, at your local Mexican grocery store, or you can buy it online.

With those three ingredients – chipotles en adobo, hominy and masa harina – you are all set for an amazing flavor experience!

Come pull up a chair and let’s dish us up some Spicy Chipotle Chili with Hominy!

Chipotle Chili Recipe

Let’s get started!

Heat the oil in a heavy deep skillet or Dutch oven and brown the ground meat.

Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes.

Add all the seasonings and masa harina and stir to combine. Cook for one minute.

Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Add the cilantro and stir to combine. Add salt to taste.

Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, some chopped fresh cilantro and avocado as desired.

Serve with some homemade cornbread. I have a few yummy options for you to choose from: Cornbread Muffins, Skillet Cornbread (100% corn), Quinoa Cornbread.

Enjoy this flavor-packed chili with hominy and chipotles!

For more delicious chili recipes be sure to try my:

Save This Recipe

Enter your email address and we’ll send it straight to your inbox!