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top down view of beef and kidney bean chilli con carne in orange pot
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4.80 from 5 votes

Crowd Pleasing Chili Recipe

Beef and kidney beans are slowly cooked in a tomato sauce, seasoned with warming spices of cumin, chilli and more. This crowd pleasing chili recipe is a one for the books!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili recipe, chilli con carne
Servings: 8
Author: Julia Frey of Vikalinka

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 750g / 1½ lbs ground beef I use 5% fat
  • 1 onion medium
  • 3 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 2 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp This is an affiliate link.smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp This is an affiliate link.chipotle paste or minced chipotle peppers
  • 2 This is an affiliate link.bay leaves
  • salt to taste
  • 2X400g / 28oz canned chopped tomatoes + water from 1 can
  • 2X400g / 28oz canned kidney beans, drained or any beans you like
  • 10g / 1/2 oz dark chocolate 1 square, optional

Instructions

  • In a large pot heat the oil and add the ground beef, cook until no longer pink while breaking it up with a spoon. Free some space in the pot by moving the beef to one side and add the chopped onions, sauté over medium heat for 7-10 minutes. Don't forget to stir once in a while, add the crushed garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add a pinch of salt and the spices including the chipotle paste and the bay leaves.
  • Add the canned chopped tomatoes, fill one of the empty cans with water and pour it in as well. Add the beans, bring to a boil and lower the heat, then add the chocolate and let it melt, stir and simmer for 40 minutes covered with a lid. Then uncover and cook for 20-30 minutes longer. Taste and add salt to taste if needed.

Notes

  • Chocolate is a great way to enrich the flavours in the chili. A square of dark chocolate will mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes while adding depth and richness. Unsweetened cocoa powder or semi-sweet chocolate will also work.
  • Heat can be added through a finely sliced chilli pepper along with the onions. Or add red pepper flakes or chilli powder to individual servings.
  • I used 5% fat beef as I wanted a leaner meal. Feel free to use the beef you like the most. 
  • Give the chili time to simmer over low heat so the flavours have the chance to meld.
  • Test the taste of the chili before serving and add salt if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 482mg | Potassium: 779mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 359IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 5mg