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Rich No-Bean Beef Chili with Dark Chocolate

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A rich, slow-cooked beef chili without beans, featuring a velvety sauce enhanced by dark chocolate for depth and gloss. This comfort food is perfect for cold nights and offers a sophisticated balance of heat and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) 80/20 ground chuck
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1–2 oz (30-60g) 70% dark chocolate, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir constantly for 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary, but leave some for richness.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up brown bits from the bottom.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes and remaining beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove pot from heat. Stir in chopped dark chocolate until melted and the sauce is glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to deepen.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor. Toast spices to release essential oils. Add chocolate off the heat to prevent separation. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check spice blends for anti-caking agents. Can be made in a slow cooker by sautéing ingredients first, then cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef chili, no bean chili, dark chocolate recipe, comfort food, slow cooker chili, winter recipes, gluten free chili

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/rich-no-bean-beef-chili-with-dark-chocolate-best-comfort-food/