Deep-Roasted Chili with Ribeye, Beans & Dark Chocolate

soupmain-dishstovetopweekendmake-aheadcomfort-foodwinteramerican

Prep
30 min
Cook
1 hour 30 min
Total
2 hours 15 min
Servings
11

For the Chile Puree

This blend brings smoky depth and earthy heat—like a storm rolling in from the southwest

Ingredients

  • 2 items Ancho Chiles
  • 2 items Dried Guajillo Chiles
  • 3 items Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Ground Coriander, Toasted
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin, Toasted
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons Yellow Mustard Seeds, Toasted
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons Dried Thyme
  • 3 Whole Garlic Cloves
  • 4 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • Portion Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes (One-Third Of Total)

Instructions

  1. Cover dried chiles with boiling water and soak for 15 minutes until softened. Drain.
  2. Stem and seed the chiles, then transfer to a blender.
  3. Add chipotle peppers, spices, garlic cloves, tomato paste, and one-third of the crushed tomatoes.
  4. Blend until smooth. Set aside.

Prep: 15 min • Cook: No time • Wait: 15 min

For the Chili Base

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
  • 1 Pound Ground Beef
  • 2 Pounds Ribeye, Cut Into Small Cubes
  • 1 Large Onion, Diced
  • 8 Ounces Meaty Bacon, Diced
  • 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
  • 2 (28 Oz) Cans Remaining Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes
  • 2 Cups Brewed Coffee
  • 1 Cup Crushed Tortilla Chips
  • 10 Sprigs Parsley, Coarsely Chopped
  • ½ Can Green Chiles (Or To Taste)
  • 1 Ounce 70% Dark Chocolate
  • 1 Cup Wild Or Brown Rice, Rinsed
  • 3 (15 Ounce) Cans Beans (Pinto, Dark Kidney, Light Kidney), Rinsed And Drained
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt, To Taste
  • 10 Cups Water
  • 2 ½ Tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Beef
  • 4 Tablespoons Unflavored Gelatin

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, brown ground beef in batches over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add onion and bacon to the pot; cook until onion is golden.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Return beef to the pot and stir in chile puree. Cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Add stock ingredients (water, bouillon, gelatin), brewed coffee, crushed tortilla chips, parsley, green chiles, and remaining tomatoes. Season with salt.
  6. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer over moderate heat for 15 minutes.
  7. Add beans, rice, and dark chocolate. Stir well.
  8. Cook uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and rice is tender.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Prep: 15 min • Cook: 1 hour 30 min • Wait: No time

Notes

This chili is a bold expedition—layered with smoky chiles, tender ribeye, rich coffee, and a hint of dark chocolate. It’s a feast fit for a captain’s table or a cold-weather cookout. Keeps in the ship’s stores (fridge) for up to 5 days; flavor deepens with time. Freeze for longer voyages.