Aztec Gold Chili
Unleash the bold, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors of Aztec Gold Chili, a hearty dish inspired by ancient Mesoamerican ingredients and bold modern spices. This one-pot wonder combines ground beef or turkey with the richness of black and kidney beans, the tangy depth of tomatoes, and a surprising hint of unsweetened cocoa powder for a velvety finish. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ground cinnamon, and smoked paprika add layers of warmth and complexity, while a touch of cumin and oregano ties everything together. Ready in under an hour, this chili is perfect for weeknight dinners or cold-weather gatherings, and it’s easily customizable with garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese. Pair it with cornbread or tortilla chips for the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you're craving smoky heat or unique Mexican-inspired flavors, this dish delivers a gold-standard chili that’s as satisfying as it is unforgettable.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes with their juices
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- sour cream (optional, for garnish)
- shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack (optional, for garnish)
- tortilla chips or cornbread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, beef or chicken broth, and tomato paste.
Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, chipotle peppers, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder for heat.
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or your desired toppings. Pair with tortilla chips or cornbread for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1027 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.4 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.8 g | 54% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 30 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 4478 mg | 195% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 134.8 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 43.1 g | 154% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.2 g | ||
| Protein | 44.1 g | 88% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 545 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 2898 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
