Cold Weather Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring tender beef, rich chocolate, and warm spices, perfect for cold weather gatherings and satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven or a heavy large saucepan.
- Sprinkle the meat with flour.
- Brown the meat in the oil.
- Add a little extra oil if needed.
- Stir in onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook until soft.
- Stir in beef broth, oregano, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce and chopped chocolate.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef in batches to avoid steaming. If you're short on time, you can substitute the beef chuck with ground beef, though the texture will differ. Adding a pinch of cocoa powder can enhance the depth of flavor. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs excellently with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. For an extra kick, serve with jalapeños on the side. This dish is perfect for a cozy gathering and can be a main dish or served alongside a simple salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Weather Chili contains roughly 1682 calories, with 9g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 176g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2662mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving. This makes it a great choice for meal prep or for a gathering with friends.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth works well as a substitute. For a richer flavor, consider using a homemade broth or stock. Keep in mind that using vegetable broth will give the chili a different taste but can still be delicious.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To make the chili spicier, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or cumin. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).