A warming chili blending beef, beans, tomatoes, and a hint of chocolate for a cozy meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based mince)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
→ Beans & Tomatoes
06 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
14 - ½ tsp dried oregano
15 - ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
16 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
17 - Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Chocolate Twist
18 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
19 - 2 tbsp cocoa nibs
→ Liquids
20 - 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
→ Garnishes (optional)
21 - Chopped fresh cilantro
22 - Sour cream or plain yogurt
23 - Shredded cheddar cheese
24 - Sliced green onions
# Directions:
01 - Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper; cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Mix in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute while stirring to deepen flavor.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, drained kidney and black beans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and broth. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in cocoa nibs and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Dish out hot chili and top with desired garnishes such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheddar, or sliced green onions.
