A good bowl of chili doesn’t need an all-day simmer. This version starts with ground beef and builds a smooth, savory sauce with tomato, chili spices, a little cocoa powder, and soy sauce. Serve it in bowls, spoon it over hot dogs, or make it the centerpiece of a casual dinner.
Serves: About 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (about 450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- ½ cup tomato sauce or purée
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
These quantities follow the referenced recipe.
How to Make It
Brown the beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the sauce and seasonings
Pour in the broth and tomato sauce. Stir in the chili powder, cocoa powder, Worcestershire sauce, chili flakes, paprika, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne. Mix well so the spices are evenly distributed.
Simmer and serve
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring regularly and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. Taste, add salt and pepper as needed, and serve hot.
Why Add Cocoa Powder?
The small amount of unsweetened cocoa adds depth to the savory sauce without making the chili taste like chocolate. Soy sauce adds another savory note, so taste the finished chili before adding much salt.
Serving Ideas
Top each bowl with shredded cheese, chopped onion, or scallions. For a thicker sauce to spoon over hot dogs, simmer the chili uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring often.
