Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 spicy sausage, chopped (chorizo, Italian, any will do)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 4 tablespoons dried chipotle powder
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons basil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon asian hot sauce (optional)
  • 2 ounces semisweet chocolate (do not use chips)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, with added puree
  • 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (12 ounce) bottle of chocolate stout beer (any dark beer will do)
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans

Method

  • Heat oil in large, heavy pot over medium-high heat.
  • Saute onions and garlic until onions are soft and translucent, about 6 minutes.
  • Add ground beef, ground pork, and sausage.
  • Saute, while breaking up the meats, for about 5 minutes.
  • Drain fat.
  • Add cumin, chipotle powder, crushed red pepper, basil, oregano, thyme, and cinnamon.
  • Stir 2 minutes.
  • Add Asian hot sauce (if using), semi-sweet chocolate, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, beer, and tomato paste.
  • Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • (Can use a crockpot) Chili can be prepared 2 days ahead (it actually tastes better when prepared at least one day in advance).
  • Add black beans and simmer 5 minutes before serving.