This is our favorite recipe for chili. If I don’t have any chorizo, I just use 2 lb. of ground beef and increase the paprika and cumin to 2 T. each. Some of you might think it odd to add the cocoa powder or chocolate chips. However, this adds a richer taste and color to the finished product.
Rinse black beans. Put in pot and cover well with water. Bring to a boil. When the water boils, turn the pot off and let set for 1 hour. Drain beans, cover with fresh water and continue cooking until tender. Add to chili when the beans are tender.
Chili
While beans are soaking, brown beef and chorizo with onions, sweet pepper, garlic, and oil in a Dutch oven.
Add remaining ingredients (except black beans) and simmer for a couple of hours. Add water as needed for the consistency that you desire. Add black beans when they have finished cooking. This is even better if made the day before and reheated.
Recipe Notes
If I don’t have any chorizo, I just use 2 lb. of ground beef and increase the paprika and cumin to 2 T. each.
Brown beef with onions, sweet pepper, jalapenos and garlic in the oil. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for a couple of hours. Add water as needed for the consistency that you desire.
Serve with desired condiments: corn chips, cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, etc.
Recipe Notes
If you don't have beef base, just use beef broth in place of the beef base and water. Just read ingredients first if you have food allergies!
I used to make this recipe for parties a lot!: https://www.cherylsrecipes.net/recipe/chili-dip/ It was super fast and easy.
However, when I found out that I had wheat and soy allergies, I could no longer make it because every single canned chili I can find has soy (along with a lot of preservatives) in it! I am also not a big fan of Velveeta because it is so processed. So I came up with this recipe as a replacement and it is even better, although obviously not as easy! It is still not too difficult though. I will certainly be making it again!
If you would rather used canned chili for the convenience, just use 3 cans of chili in this recipe. Or, if you have a favorite chili recipe (with or without beans), substitute about 6-7 cups of that for this chili.
Brown meat mixture ingredients together with olive oil.
Add all Seasonings.
Note: If you are making this for another day, stop here. It will be easier to cool down and store in the refrigerator at this point, then finish it the day you are serving it.
Combine all ingredients and simmer until ready to serve. You will need to add water as it is cooking so it is not overly thick.
Serve with Frank's Red Hot Sauce, shredded cheese, sour cream, Fritos, sliced jalapenos, etc.
Recipe Notes
The chocolate chips add a richer flavor and beautiful color.