Sooz's Rich and Smoky Chili Con Carne

Warm, hearty, and irresistibly flavorful, Sooz's Rich and Smoky Chili Con Carne is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. This recipe pairs tender ground beef with a medley of kidney and black beans, all simmered in a deeply seasoned tomato base infused with smoky paprika, cumin, and a hint of cayenne. The secret ingredient? A touch of dark chocolate, which adds subtle richness and complexity to every bite. Brightened with a splash of lime juice and topped with fresh cilantro, this chili is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is unforgettable. Plus, with easy prep and a slow-simmered cooking process, this dish is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 large bell pepper (any color), diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2.5 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 ounce dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 5

Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the spices with the beef for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir well, cooking for 1 minute to incorporate.

Step 7

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 8

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the chili becomes too thick.

Step 9

Stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate until fully melted and blended into the chili. This adds a subtle richness and complexity to the flavor.

Step 10

Just before serving, stir in the lime juice for a bright, zesty finish.

Step 11

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2516.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2802.5

Total Fat 185.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 64.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.5g
Cholesterol 467.5mg	0%
Sodium 6273.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 143.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 52.7g	0%
Total Sugars 43.4g
Protein 156.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 590.0mg	0%
Iron 31.8mg	0%
Potassium 5463.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.2%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 20.0%