Description
A deeply comforting, award-winning beef chili that serves as a reset button for stressful days. This slow-simmered recipe balances rich flavors with gentle spices, featuring a secret ingredient of dark chocolate for added depth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, no-salt-added
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 square dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher, approx 1 oz)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, drain and rinse the beans, and open the cans.
- Sear the beef: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon.
- Bloom the spices: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Stir constantly for 1 minute to release essential oils.
- Build the sauce: Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer: Add black beans and kidney beans. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover with lid slightly ajar and simmer for 30-45 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add secret ingredient: Stir in the square of dark chocolate about 5 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, or cornbread.
Notes
The chili tastes better the next day as flavors meld. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For a vegetarian version, swap beef for extra beans or lentils. Ensure chili powder and broth are certified gluten-free if necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 30
Keywords: beef chili, award-winning chili, comfort food, self-care recipe, slow cooker chili, gluten-free chili, dark chocolate chili