Infallible Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with rich tomato and chocolate notes, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying meat lovers seeking a spicy, robust dish.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 12 oz. frozen chopped onions ⓘ
- 12 oz. frozen chopped peppers ⓘ
- 4 to 5 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 to 4 tsp. crushed red peppers ⓘ
- 32 oz. crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 23 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 6 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 48 oz. red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef on high heat.
- Add frozen chopped onions and peppers; cook until tender.
- Add chili powder, flour, salt, sugar, and crushed red peppers; cook briefly to combine.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Reduce heat to simmer; cover and cook for 1 hour.
- Stir in unsweetened chocolate and red kidney beans.
- Cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes or until flavors meld and heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you're short on time, fresh onions and peppers can replace frozen ones, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adjust the chili powder and crushed red peppers based on your heat preference. This recipe can also be adapted for a vegetarian version by substituting the beef with lentils or plant-based meat. Browse more American recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced green onions for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Brown Rice or cornbread for a hearty meal. Consider serving with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast, or alongside a fresh salad to balance the richness. Enjoy it as a filling dinner or a game day snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, simmer on the stove until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Infallible Chili contains roughly 816 calories, with 23g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1462mg per serving (64% 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?
Yes, this chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat on the stove or microwave before serving. This is a great option for meal prep or hosting gatherings.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the heat, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and crushed red peppers, then taste as you cook. You can always add more if you prefer spicier chili. For a milder version, use sweet bell peppers and omit the crushed red peppers entirely.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice. For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh green salad or coleslaw. You can also serve it in a baked potato or as a topping for nachos.
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).