Description
This Sweet and Spicy Chili recipe combines ground beef, black beans, and a rich blend of spices for a hearty and flavorful meal. Simmered to perfection in a stock pot, it balances sweet maple syrup with smoky paprika and a hint of cayenne for a satisfying chili experience. Perfect for a comforting dinner served with toppings like cornbread, sour cream, and avocado.
Ingredients
Chili Base
- 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1-2 cups beef broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- Cornbread
- Scallions
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Drizzle olive oil into a large stock pot or Dutch oven and heat over medium-high. Add diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until no pink remains and beef is fully browned.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, maple syrup, and 1 cup of beef broth. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Season the Chili: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to incorporate all spices evenly.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to reduce slightly. Add more beef broth up to 1 cup if the chili becomes too thick.
- Finish and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in apple cider vinegar, then taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the chili warm topped with your preferred garnishes such as cornbread, scallions, sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Use 90% lean ground beef for a healthier option while retaining flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein or additional beans.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of beef broth.
- Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness; brown sugar can be used as an alternative.
- Allow the chili to rest for a few minutes after cooking to deepen the flavors.