Mexican Mole Poblano Inspired Chili

3.6
(7)

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.

2
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 35 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 50 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 ½ cups chopped onions

  • 1 cup chopped green pepper (Optional)

  • 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies (Optional)

  • 8 large garlic cloves, chopped

  • 3 pounds cubed beef stew meat

  • 5 tablespoons chili powder

  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin

  • 2 teaspoons dried basil

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes in puree

  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth

  • 1 (12 fluid ounce) bottle dark beer

  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

  • 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans

  • 2 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate, chopped

  • salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

Cook's Note

This recipe calls for the use of beer. It can be replaced with an equivalent volume of broth. If beer is used, I recommend a beer low in hop flavor with a smooth malt flavor. A porter or dry stout would be just fine.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

376 Calories
21g Fat
25g Carbs
24g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 376
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 8g 38%
Cholesterol 63mg 21%
Sodium 660mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 6g 23%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 24g 48%
Vitamin C 32mg 35%
Calcium 92mg 7%
Iron 5mg 29%
Potassium 908mg 19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.