Print

Flavorful Chili Recipe Easy Best Office Cookoff Winner Three Years

flavorful chili recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich, smoky chili with a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors that has won the office cookoff three years running. Quick and easy to make with simple pantry staples and fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 dried chipotle peppers, finely chopped (or 2 tsp smoked paprika as substitute)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Finely chop the dried chipotle peppers, removing seeds if preferred. Rinse and drain the kidney beans. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and chopped chipotle peppers; cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if greasy, leaving a little for flavor.
  5. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cocoa powder. Stir well to coat beef and veggies evenly. Let spices toast for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Pour in fire-roasted diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in drained kidney beans. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage flavor melding.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic. Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
  9. Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or fresh cilantro as desired.

Notes

Use high-quality fire-roasted tomatoes for best smoky flavor. For leaner meat, substitute ground turkey and keep seasoning ratios the same. Make chili a day ahead to deepen flavors. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if too thick. Keep lid slightly ajar while simmering to thicken chili without burning. Adjust chipotle peppers for heat preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, beef chili, smoky chili, easy chili recipe, office cookoff winner, spicy chili, comfort food

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/flavorful-chili-recipe-easy-best-office-cookoff-winner-three-years/