The General Store Chili

Name: The General Store Chili
Total time: 2 h
Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients: 3 pounds ground beef, 80% lean; 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped; 1 jalapeño, minced, with seeds; 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 1/4 cup chili powder; 2 cups crushed tomatoes; 1 cup tomato paste; 3 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans and their liquid; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons dark-brown sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; Cornbread, slathered in butter, for serving (optional)

Recipe from Gillian Clark

Adapted by Alex Witchel

Total Time: 2 hours
Rating: 4(152)
Comments: Read comments

Featured in: Ben Ali: Hot Sauce

or to save this recipe.
Subscriber benefit: Give recipes to anyone
As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.
Subscribe
Share this recipe
Print this recipe
Include recipe photo

Ingredients

Yield:Serves 8

3pounds ground beef, 80% lean
1medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
1jalapeño, minced, with seeds
3cloves garlic, peeled and minced
¼cup chili powder
2cups crushed tomatoes
1cup tomato paste
3(15-ounce) cans kidney beans and their liquid
¼cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2tablespoons dark-brown sugar
2teaspoons salt
1teaspoon black pepper
Cornbread, slathered in butter, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

Step 1
In a large, heavy pot set over medium-low heat, brown the beef, stirring it if it starts to stick to the bottom and breaking up any clumps, about 20 minutes.
Step 2
Add the onion, jalapeño and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 4 minutes.
Step 3
Add the chili powder and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Add the tomatoes and tomato paste. If using a can, add about ¼ cup water to the can to remove excess paste and add it to the pan. Stir vigorously to incorporate and let simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5
Add the beans and their liquid, stirring gently so as not to break them. Simmer over very low heat for 1½ hours.
Step 6
Turn off the heat and stir in the cocoa powder and sugar. Add the salt and pepper, taste and season as needed. Serve with buttered cornbread if desired.