Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (680g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup, 150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp, 6g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup, 150g)
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (425g)
  • 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies (113g)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder (24g)
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin (8g)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (3g)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano (1g)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) (0.5g)
  • 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped, plus 1 tbsp of the adobo sauce (adjust to taste) (2-4 peppers, 15ml adobo)
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (the secret ingredient!) (6g)
  • 1 cup beef broth (240 ml)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Diced red onion (optional)
  • Avocado slices (optional)
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Transfer the browned beef and vegetables to the slow cooker.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cocoa powder, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Stir everything together well. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. If you prefer a thicker, shredded chilli, use two forks to shred some of the beef in the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving.
  7. Serve hot, topped with your favourite toppings (cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, red onion, avocado, lime wedges).