Mexican Mole Poblano Inspired Chili

This beef chili recipe brings forward the flavors of cinnamon and chocolate often found in Mole Poblano style sauces. It really creates some depth and complexity in a otherwise fairly traditional chili recipe. This recipe is an award winning recipe that is a frequent crowd favorite.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 35 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
• Calories: 376 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 pounds cubed beef stew meat
• 1 ½ cups chopped onions
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) bottle dark beer
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes in puree
• 1 cup chopped green pepper (Optional)
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies (Optional)
• 8 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Stir in onions, green peppers, green chilies, and garlic. Cook and stir until onions are soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the stew meat to the pot, cook until well browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Stir the chili power, cumin, basil, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick into the pot. Cook and stir until spices are aromatic, about 2 minutes.

Step 3

Pour the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and beer into the pot; stir in the tomato paste. Bring chili to a simmer and cook until beef is very tender and the liquids have thickened, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Step 4

Mix the chili beans and chocolate into the chili. Simmer until the chocolate has melted and the chili is hot, 5 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Season to taste with salt and pepper.