A rich, warming chili with beef, beans, tomatoes, and a subtle hint of cocoa nibs for depth and warmth.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef
→ 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 or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. 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, red bell pepper, and jalapeño, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
05 - Add diced tomatoes with their juice, drained kidney and black beans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and broth. Stir to combine thoroughly.
06 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Add cocoa nibs to the pot and continue simmering for 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
08 - Serve hot, topped with optional garnishes such as cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheddar, or green onions.
