Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 15 oz canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz canned tomato sauce (no sugar added)
  • 15 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1.5 cups beef bone broth
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Add the 2 lbs lean ground beef to the Dutch oven over medium high heat. Note: Work in two batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  2. Once the beef is browned, toss in the finely diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and slightly golden.
  3. Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for exactly 60 seconds until the fragrance fills the kitchen.
  4. Clear a small space in the center and add the 2 tbsp tomato paste. Stir it against the bottom of the pot for 2 minutes until it turns a dark rust color.
  5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Coat the meat and vegetables until the mixture looks dark and smells intensely earthy.
  6. Pour in the 1.5 cups of beef bone broth. Use your spoon to scrape every browned bit off the bottom until the liquid is smooth and dark.
  7. Pour in the canned fire roasted diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine the base.
  8. Fold in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans. Note: Rinsing the beans prevents the metallic tin taste from entering your chili.
  9. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 1 hours. Stir every 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
  10. Add the sea salt and cracked black pepper. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit for 10 minutes until the liquid stops bubbling and the texture becomes velvety.