Smoky Chili Con Carne

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Dive into a hearty bowl of Smoky Chili Con Carne, a flavor-packed classic with a bold twist! This recipe combines tender ground beef, smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and a medley of vibrant spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder for a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible. A secret ingredient—dark chocolate—adds an unexpected richness that elevates this chili to gourmet levels. Simmered to perfection with kidney beans and a touch of beef broth, this chili boasts a thick, satisfying texture and layers of complex, smoky heat. Perfect for cozy weeknights or game-day gatherings, it’s best served piping hot with fresh cilantro and indulgent toppings like sour cream and shredded cheddar. Simple to make and bursting with bold flavors, this is a must-try recipe for chili lovers everywhere!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: N/A
• Total Time: 15 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

19 items

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1.5 tablespoons chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 ounce dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• sour cream (optional, for topping)
• shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

📝 Instructions

12 steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook for 7-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.

5. Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toast the spices with the beef for 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavor.

6. Add the tomato paste and stir well to combine, cooking for another 2 minutes.

7. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Mix everything thoroughly.

8. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

9. Remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes to allow the chili to thicken and the flavors to meld.

10. Stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate and mix until fully melted and incorporated. This adds a rich depth to the chili.

11. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices if needed.

12. Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (477.8g)

Calories		622
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		40.1 g	51%
	Saturated Fat	15.3 g	76%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	1.0 g
Cholesterol		104 mg	35%
Sodium		1294 mg	56%
Total Carbohydrate		34.9 g	13%
	Dietary Fiber	10.5 g	38%
	Total Sugars	8.6 g
Protein		31.1 g	62%
Vitamin D		0.2 mcg	1%
Calcium		175 mg	13%
Iron		7.6 mg	42%
Potassium		1161 mg	25%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1450 cal (58.0%%)

Protein: 493 cal (19.7%%)

Carbs: 559 cal (22.3%%)