Organic Ground Beef & Black Bean Chili
Chili is such a great game-day dish or just cold-day dish. I have a few listed on my site, but this ground beef and black been chili hits different. There are several steps that make this recipe "just right." I take the time to saute the veggies. I also spend time caramelizing the tomato paste. It adds a depth of flavor. I know cocoa powder and espresso may sound weird for a savory dish, however you don't taste chocolate nor coffee, they just add to the flavor - similar to how mole uses chocolate. While I'm not a huge beer drinker, adding the beer adds to the depth of flavor as well. It does not taste boozy. You cook off the alcohol. You could sub for ground chicken or turkey. I do have a vegan chili option for an alternative. If you're sensitive to heat, reduce or eliminate the jalapeno and cayenne pepper. However, I do suggest adding a little heat. It just balances out the dish. Go crazy (well not too crazy because this chili has such great flavor) with the toppings. I serve it with my homemade cornbread which is on my site. It'll make it "just right."
Equipment
- large dutch oven or stock pot
- collander / sieve
Ingredients
- 1 lb organic grass fed ground beef (85/15%)
- 1 yellow or white onion
- 1 organic red bell pepper
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1/2 organic jalapeno optional
- 2 tbs organic tomato paste
- 15 oz can of organic black or red beans
- 2 tbs chili powder
- 1/2 tbs ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbs cocoa powder
- 1 tsp espresso powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 12 oz can of beer IPA
- 28 oz can organic diced tomatoes
- organic avocado oil
- kosher salt https://amzn.to/3Sa6PAV **
- fresh cracked black pepper https://amzn.to/3RoH0wh **
Toppings
- sour cream / greek yogurt
- avocado
- tortilla chips
- cilantro
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sliced scallions / minced chives / onions
Instructions
- Dice the onions, peppers, jalapeno, and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans. Taste the beer to make sure it's OK ;-)
- In a large dutch oven or stock pot, heat a tbs of avocado oil to the pot. Add the onions, bell peppers and jalapeno (if using). Add a large pinch of salt and several grinds of fresh cracked black pepper. Cook stirring for about 10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 minutes in order to caramelize. Mix to combine.
- Add the ground beef. Season with 1 tsp of kosher salt and 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat for about 5-7 minutes, until it's no longer pink.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, cocoa powder, and espresso powder. Sir to combine. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the spices have become fragrant.
- Add the beer, bring to a boil and let it reduce by 1/2 for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and beans. Add a large pinch of salt and a few grinds of cracked black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and cook for 25 minutes until it has thickened a little.
- Serve with any or all of the toppings listed!
Notes
**Amazon affiliate - I may receive compensation.
Serve with my cornbread!