Why is my chili bitter?

If your chili has a bitter taste, balance out the bitter with more sweet, salty, or sour. For this recipe, you could add a splash of apple cider vinegar, another tablespoon of brown sugar, or more salt.

How is chili powder made?

Chili powder blends can vary from brand to brand. They usually contain a mix of dried chiles, cayenne pepper, cumin, basil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and onion powder.

Is it okay to make chili in a cast iron Dutch oven?

Yes, you can make chili in a cast iron Dutch oven. However, if you are not using an enameled cast iron Dutch oven, then you need to make sure that your cast iron Dutch oven is seasoned very, very well. The acidity from the tomatoes can eat away at the cast iron. Using enameled cast iron prevents possible corrosion from the acid in the tomatoes.

Is chili better in a slow cooker or a Dutch oven?

I regularly make chili both ways! A Dutch oven will develop deeper flavors because you're able to brown the meat and use high heat to bring out flavors in the seasonings. Slow-cooker chili is still delicious, though, and is a great hands-off way to make chili!

Dutch Oven Chili with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato

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5 from 3 reviews

Warm up with this Dutch Oven Chili that hits all the right notes - sweet, savory, and the perfect touch of spice! Tender ground beef, hearty black beans, and sweet potatoes come together in a slow-simmered stew that's thick, rich, and full of flavor. It's the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening!

Author: Katie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 10, 1 cup servings 1x
Category: lunch, dinner
Method: stove top cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups red bell peppers - diced
1 cup white or yellow onion - diced
3 large garlic cloves - minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
30 ounces tomato sauce
15 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
3 cups sweet potatoes - peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
15 ounces canned black beans - drained and rinsed
15 ounces canned kidney beans - drained and rinsed
1 cup beef broth

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Instructions

Pour the olive oil into the bottom of a large, enameled cast iron Dutch oven and warm over medium heat.
Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Brown on all sides over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
Add the red bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Mix in the tomato paste, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Cook for about 1 minute.
Add the tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, peeled and chopped sweet potatoes, drained and rinsed canned beans, and beef broth. Give the chili a good stir, increase the heat to high, and bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let simmer on the stovetop for 1 hour.
Serve while hot, and enjoy!

Notes

Chop your sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking and an easier bite.
Let it simmer. Allow the chili to simmer for at least 1 hour. This helps meld the flavors together and results in a richer dish.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning, heat, and sweetness to taste.
Add garnishes. Top your chili with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
The nutrition information shown below is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 243
Sugar: 8.9 g
Sodium: 657 mg
Fat: 5.1 g
Carbohydrates: 33.4 g
Fiber: 10.3 g
Protein: 17.8 g
Cholesterol: 27.1 mg

Find it online: https://sugarandsnappeas.com/dutch-oven-chili/