The Perfect Chili

For years after we were married I searched for the percent Chili recipe. I tried recipe after recipe and I just couldn't find one I actually liked. So I sat down one day with a few different recipes that came close and I picked what things I liked from each to create my own. And it's goooooood!

Yeah, there's a little sugar. I promise it won't kill you, it just helps reduce the acidity of the tomatoes. Something I feel like every chili recipe should include. Once I was able to narrow it down, that's why I never really liked chili. It's tomato acidity was SO STORNG and I felt like they all had way too many beans! So a little sugar and a little less beans and voila! The perfect Chili.

The perfect Chili

- 1 lb 93% lean ground beef

- 1 1/2 tsp. olive oil

- 1 small onion, diced

- 3 cloves garlic

- 2 (10oz) cans mild rotel

- 3 (8oz) cans tomato sauce

- 1/2 cup beef broth

- 2 tsp. chili powder

- 2 tsp cumin

- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder

- 2 Tbsp Sugar

- 1 can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

- salt and pepper to taste, be careful here though, you won't need to add a ton

Directions

1. Place a large pot on the stove top. Add oil and turn to medium heat.

2. Once oil is hot add onion and sauté for 5-8 minutes, stirring constantly, until clear and soft.

3. Add garlic and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

4. Add hamburger and cook until no longer pink.

5. Add rotel, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder and sugar. Stir to combine.

6. Add the beans and turn heat up to high, bring to boil and then turn heat down to low-medium. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

7. Serve and enjoy.

Our favorite topping for chili is corn bread and this is our all time favorite. But get creative with your toppings. Avocados, fresh tomatoes, fresh corn, cheese, sour cream, chips ... all of these things would be tasty.