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Sweet-Spiced Chili

This chili combines traditional savory ingredients with unexpected hints of sweetness through the addition of cinnamon, cocoa, and bell peppers. The dish is simmered until thickened and fragrant, resulting in a hearty, flavorful stew with a rich, complex aroma and a thick, textured appearance. The balance of smoky beef and sweet spices creates a layered, inviting presentation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef preferably 80% lean
  • 1 bell pepper red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and starting to crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
    1 lb ground beef
  2. Add the finely chopped bell pepper and minced garlic to the beef. Cook together, stirring often, until the pepper softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
    1 lb ground beef
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes until it begins to bubble around the edges.
    1 lb ground beef
  4. Sprinkle the cocoa powder and ground cinnamon evenly over the mixture. Stir well to incorporate all the spices, releasing aromatics into the stew.
    1 lb ground beef
  5. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot and add moisture to the chili. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
    1 lb ground beef
  6. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let the chili simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld.
  7. Uncover the chili and stir in the drained kidney beans. Continue simmering uncovered for another 5-10 minutes to let the flavors concentrate.
    1 lb ground beef
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. Stir well to distribute evenly.
    1 lb ground beef
  9. Once the chili has thickened and is bubbling nicely, remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished as desired.