Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Brown the beef for 8 to 10 minutes until no pink remains and it's fully cooked. With a slotted spoon, remove the cooked meat to a separate bowl and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot. Sauté for 7 to 8 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and chopped bell peppers. Sauté for 3 more minutes until the peppers begin to soften slightly.
- Add the chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, cocoa powder, oregano, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the no-salt-added tomato paste and the diced tomatoes with their juices, mixing thoroughly.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot, along with the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans.
- Stir everything well to combine. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
- Once the chili has simmered, stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro (if using).
- Serve hot with your favorite low-sodium toppings, such as fresh jalapeños or extra cilantro.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with an extra can of beans or cooked lentils.
If your chili becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of no-salt-added broth or water.
Chili freezes well for up to 3 months; store in airtight containers once completely cooled.
