The Perfect Chili

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef
• salt
• pepper
• 2 1/4 teaspoons cumin
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less if you don't like it with a kick)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can tomatoes (diced or crushed)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce (I use Heinz)

• 1 (15 1/2 ounce) can dark red kidney beans

For Topping

• sour cream
• grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oil in a dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add pepper and onion and saute until they soften, about 8 minutes.

3. 3

   Add ground beef, and salt and pepper to taste.

4. 4

   Once beef is browned, add the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and parsley. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. 5

   Add tomatoes, sugar, cocoa powder, vegetable broth, corn starch and chili sauce.

6. 6

   Simmer for 1 hour.

7. 7

   Drain and rinse kidney beans. Add to chili and cook for about 20 minutes more.

8. 8

   Serve with sour cream and grated cheddar cheese.

9. 9

   We recommend pairing this with Recipe Junkie's "Custard Corn Bread" #352762.