Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (700g) ground beef (or use ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup beef broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced (adds natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Spices & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (secret ingredient for richness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor)
For Garnishing
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and carrot, sautéing until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Drain excess fat if necessary, but leave a little for extra flavor.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Let the spices toast for 30 seconds to enhance their flavors.
Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker
- Pour the browned beef mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, black pepper, and cocoa powder.
- Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chili
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
- Stir occasionally if possible, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed (add more salt, chili powder, or broth if necessary).
- Serve hot with cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips or cornbread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g