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Delish Sweet and Spicy Chili Recipes

Delish Sweet and Spicy Chili Recipes

A hearty, sweet-and-spicy beef and bean chili with balanced heat from cayenne and red pepper flakes, mellowed by a touch of brown sugar and finished with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 cup yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2.5 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes canned
  • 15 oz tomato sauce canned
  • 1.5 cup beef broth
  • 15 oz kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz black beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder optional for depth

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring, until softened and lightly golden, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook until fragrant and slightly darkened, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add ground beef; cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper; cook 1 minute to toast spices.
  • Pour in beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce; stir to combine.
  • Stir in kidney beans, black beans, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  • Simmer uncovered or partially covered, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld, about 40 to 45 minutes.
  • Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more salt for savoriness, a pinch of sugar for sweetness, or cayenne for extra heat. If too thick, thin with a splash of broth.
  • Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.

Notes

Chili tastes even better the next day. Store up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze up to 3 months. For milder heat, reduce cayenne and red pepper flakes; for sweeter chili, add 1.0 additional tbsp brown sugar.