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–+ servings
The best chili in a bowl.

Secret Ingredient Chili

This easy homemade chili recipe is a cozy meal you’ll want to make all season long. Loaded with ground beef, veggies, and a ton of flavor, it’s hearty enough for fall and winter nights but perfect for game day too. Beer and the addition of cocoa powder give it incredible depth, and you can make it on the stovetop or in the crockpot to keep it easy. Top with your favorite chili toppings, and you've got the best chili recipe for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 448 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil or spray oil for cooking the meat
  • 2 lbs Lean ground beef
  • 1/2 tbsp Santa Maria Seasoning or your favorite all-purpose blend
  • 1 Yellow onion diced
  • 1 Red bell pepper diced
  • 1 Green bell pepper diced
  • 1 serrano chili or jalapeno minced (optional for heat)
  • 5 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder or a packet of plain hot cocoa mix.
  • 2 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Santa Maria seasoning or your favorite all-purpose blend
  • 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced roasted tomatoes with green chile peppers
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can pinto or kidney beans, drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, drained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke flavoring
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole kernel corn or 2 cup frozen corn
  • 1 Whole beer lager, amber, pilsner… whatever you have on hand.

Instructions 

  • Step 1 – Get everything ready. Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. Dice the onion and bell peppers into small pieces (about the size of a fingernail). If you’re using the serrano chili, cut off the top, slice it in half, and carefully remove the seeds if you don’t want it spicy. Chop it into tiny pieces. Open the cans of tomatoes. Open and drain the cans of beans and corn. Open your canisters of spices, get the cocoa powder, and crack open the beer or broth so it’s ready to pour.
    Diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion on a cutting board.
  • Step 2 – Brown the beef. Spray a soup pot or dutch oven with a little oil and place it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and 1/2 tablespoon of Santa Maria seasoning. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small pieces. Keep stirring until the meat is no longer pink. If there’s a lot of grease or liquid in the pan, carefully drain off the liquid.
    Browned ground beef in a pan.
  • Step 3 - Choose your cooking method. If you're using a slow cooker, add the browned beef and the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker. Set to High for 3-4 hours or Low to 6 to 10 hours. If you're cooking on the stovetop, follow the rest of the recipe instructions.
    Chili cooking in a slow cooker.
  • Step 4 – Add the veggies and garlic to the skillet. To the same pot with the beef, toss in your chopped onion, bell peppers, garlic, and serrano pepper (if using). Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the peppers and onions start to look soft.
  • Step 5 – Add the spices and cocoa powder or hot chocolate pouch if that's what you're using. Turn the heat down just a little to medium. Sprinkle in all of your spices — chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, Santa Maria seasoning, and the cocoa powder. Stir for about 30 seconds.
    Spices in a bowl for chili.
  • Step 6 – Add the beer (or broth), worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Pour the whole bottle of beer into the pan. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan with your spoon to loosen up any bits stuck there (those bits add flavor).
  • Step 7 - Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, beans, and corn to the pot.
  • Step 8 – Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring every few minutes until it thickens a bit and the flavor develops.
  • Step 9 - Serve. Spoon the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings!
    The best beef chili in a white bowl topped with sour cream and a side of cornbread.

Notes

A Note on Cocoa Powder: Either cocoa powder or a packet of plain hot cocoa can be used in this recipe! Just ensure the hot cocoa is plain, chocolate or dark chocolate flavor, and without marshmallows!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 448kcalCarbohydrates: 37.6gProtein: 30.5gFat: 19.9gSaturated Fat: 4.6gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 5980mgFiber: 10.7gSugar: 15.7g
Keyword Chili, Dinner Idea, easy, Fall, Good for a Crowd, High-Protein, Party Food, Soup, vegetarian
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