Lamb and Cranberry Chili

This is my personal, award-winning 2013 Chili Cook-Off submission. The smoky cumin and spicy peppers paired with the bold, savory lamb contrasts beautifully with tart-sweet dried cranberries! Try it for yourself at your next chili cook-off and see how you do! Serve with classic cornbread.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr
• Total Time: 2 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 364 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chile paste
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 medium jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 2 pounds cubed lamb stew meat
• 2 pounds 85% lean ground beef
• 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
• 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with jalapeno peppers
• 2 (15 ounce) cans water
• 4 cubes beef bouillon, crushed
• ½ cup ketchup, or more to taste
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, or more to taste
• 2 teaspoons Mediterranean seasoning, or more to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from the pan and strain excess oil.

Step 2

Carefully wipe any excess oil from the pan; be careful as the oil will still be hot. Add lamb and ground beef and cook and stir until cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and discard grease.

Step 3

Add all diced tomatoes, water, kidney beans, bouillon cubes, 1/2 cup ketchup, jalapeno pepper, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chile paste, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons Mediterranean seasoning, cayenne, and chili powder. Stir contents to combine evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours.

Step 4

Taste and add additional ketchup, cinnamon, and Mediterranean seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and stir in cranberries.