Rich Brooks Damn Good Chili
Rich Brooks Damn Good Chili is the ultimate hearty comfort food that combines bold flavors and tender textures in every bite. This robust chili recipe features a dynamic blend of ground beef and hot Italian sausage, elevated by a medley of spices including chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin for a smoky, savory kick. A touch of dark chocolate balances the spice with subtle richness, while freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness to the dish. Packed with protein from kidney and black beans and simmered to perfection with diced tomatoes and beef broth, this chili is both deeply flavorful and satisfying. Perfect for game days or cozy dinners, it’s best served with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a customizable, crowd-pleasing meal. With just 20 minutes of prep and an hour of simmering, this recipe is an easy way to create bold, homemade comfort food that’s simply "damn good."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium jalapeño, minced (seeded for less heat)
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 0.5 pounds hot Italian sausage, casing removed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned with juices)
- 15 ounces red kidney beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 15 ounces black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
Add diced onions, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything to combine.
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot partially with a lid and cook for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened.
Just before serving, stir in the dark chocolate until fully melted and incorporated. Add lime juice for a touch of acidity. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
To serve, ladle chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
744 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.9 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.2 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 119 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 1735 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.4 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.6 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.1 g | ||
| Protein | 40.2 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 230 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 1269 mg | 27% | |
*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.
