Midwinter Chili

Warm up your winter nights with this hearty and flavorful Midwinter Chili, a soul-soothing dish brimming with rustic charm and bold spices. Perfectly seasoned with chili powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne, this rich stew combines tender ground beef or turkey with hearty beans, sweet bell peppers, and a velvety tomato base. The unexpected addition of dark chocolate lends a subtle depth and luxurious richness that elevates each bite. Ready in just under an hour, this one-pot wonder is ideal for cozy family dinners or game-day gatherings. Top it off with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a comforting winter meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you're looking for the ultimate cold-weather recipe, a crowd-pleasing chili, or a comforting dinner idea, this Midwinter Chili delivers on every level.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 15 ounces kidney beans (canned), drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces black beans (canned), drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 ounce dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
• 0.5 cup sour cream (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for about 30 seconds.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes, beef or chicken broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 8

Stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate and let it melt into the chili. This adds a subtle richness to the flavor.

Step 9

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or spices to your liking.

Step 10

Serve the chili hot in bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3021.1 grams (3021.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3062

Total Fat 163.40g	209%
Saturated Fat 66.90g	335%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 441mg	147%
Sodium 6482mg	282%
Total Carbohydrate 253.20g	92%
Dietary Fiber 76.00g	271%
Total Sugars 58.00g
Protein 155.00g	310%

Vitamin D 12IU	60%
Calcium 1236mg	95%
Iron 42mg	233%
Potassium 6834mg	145%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.4%

Protein: 20.0%

Carbs: 32.6%