Go Back

The BEST Easy Chili Con Carne

This is the ultimate Easy Chili Con Carne recipe! Hearty ground beef, beans, and peppers in a rich, smoky sauce with a secret chocolate twist. A foolproof one pot meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 15 oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 red bell peppers chopped
  • 1 ΒΌ cups hot beef broth
  • 1 oz dark chocolate 70% cocoa or higher
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef and cook for 5-10 mins, breaking it up, until browned.
  • Reduce heat to medium low. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 mins, stirring often.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, bell peppers, and beef broth. Stir well.
  • Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in dark chocolate until melted.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot.

Notes

  • The Chocolate Secret: Use high quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher). Milk chocolate will make the chili too sweet. If you don't have dark chocolate, you can omit it.
  • Beef Fat Content: 85/15 lean ground beef works best. If using a higher fat content, you may want to drain some excess grease after browning.
  • Spice Level: This recipe creates a mild to medium heat. For spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.