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    Jule’s Menu
    Jule’s MenuVerified

    February 16, 2026

    Thanks to a touch of dark chocolate and a hint of cinnamon, this chili con carne develops an irresistibly deep and complex flavor. At the same time, this easy, foolproof recipe comes together quickly, can be made ahead, and stores beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

    Chili Con Carne
    Chili Con Carne
    Chili Con Carne
    Chili Con Carne
    Chili Con Carne cover
    From the Cook
    From the Cook
    From the Cook
    From the Cook
    1/5

    Chili Con Carne

    Ingredients

    Milk and 3 other allergens identified

    Instructions

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    Instructions

    1
    |
    Peel and finely dice the onion. Core and finely dice the bell pepper. Peel and finely dice the garlic.
    2
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    Put oil in a large pot, add the onions and bell pepper and a generous pinch of salt. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
    3
    |
    Add the garlic and sauté for one minute. Add the ground meat to the vegetables, break it up thoroughly with a wooden spoon, and brown it over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until crumbly. Once the meat is nicely browned, add the spices and flour and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
    4
    |
    Add the tomato paste, sauté for another minute, then deglaze with red wine and crumble a bouillon cube over the pot. Let the alcohol evaporate, then add the chopped tomatoes and water, and stir well.
    5
    |
    Cover the chili and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes. (The longer, the better.) Then drain the beans and corn and add them to the chili along with the chocolate. Now simmer the chili uncovered for another 20 to 30 minutes until it has thickened slightly.
    6
    |
    Season the chili with salt, pepper, and chili powder before serving and serve with side dishes of your choice.

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    Tips & Tricks (5)

    • Chocolate Magic 🍫
      Grate the dark chocolate finely and add it towards the end of cooking to create a rich, complex depth of flavor without making the chili sweet.
    • Layered Spice Technique 🌶️
      Toast the dry spices like cumin and chili powder in the pan with the beef for 30-60 seconds before adding liquids to unlock their full aromatic potential.
    • Bean Perfection 🫘
      Rinse canned kidney beans thoroughly and add them in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy while maintaining their texture.
    • Wine Deglazing Trick 🍷
      Use the dry red wine to deglaze the pan after browning the beef, scraping up all the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
    • Make-Ahead Flavor Boost 🕰️
      Let the chili rest overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious dish.

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    About the Cook

    Jule’s Menu

    Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.

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