Easy Black Bean Chili

This is a good basic chili recipe. It’s an easy one to put your own signature flair to it by adding more spice and different types of beans if you prefer.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 onion, chopped

5 cloves garlic, chopped

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 to 2 chipotle chiles in adobo, coarsely chopped, plus 1 tablespoon sauce

1 pound DeBruycker Charolais ground beef

1 1/2 cups of beef stock (try something different and use a 12 ounce dark lager instead of beef stock)

One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes

One 15.5-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

Directions:

• Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, chili powder, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, the chipotle chiles and sauce, and cook for 1 minute. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 3 minutes.

• Add the beer and simmer until reduced by about half, about 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes and beans and bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper and serve with desired assorted toppings.

• Diced avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro leaves, sliced scallions and sour cream, for serving, optional

Make this easy chili your own. It’s wonderful comfort food made better with flavorful, tender DeBruycker Charolais Ground Beef.

Enjoy!