Tall, Dark, and Rich Chili

luckycloud29's Note:

The ultimate winter party chili. Don't be put off by the long list of ingredients; the flavors melt into one rich pot of hearty chili.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ cups chopped onions
• 8 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 spicy sausage , chopped (chorizo, Italian, any will do)
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 4 tablespoons dried chipotle powder
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons basil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon asian hot sauce (optional)
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate (do not use chips)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes , with added puree
• 1 (14 ½ ounce) can low sodium chicken broth
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle of chocolate stout beer (any dark beer will do)
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large, heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Saute onions and garlic until onions are soft and translucent, about 6 minutes.
3. Add ground beef, ground pork, and sausage.
4. Saute, while breaking up the meats, for about 5 minutes.
5. Drain fat.
6. Add cumin, chipotle powder, crushed red pepper, basil, oregano, thyme, and cinnamon.
7. Stir 2 minutes.
8. Add Asian hot sauce (if using), semi-sweet chocolate, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, beer, and tomato paste.
9. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
10. (Can use a crockpot) Chili can be prepared 2 days ahead (it actually tastes better when prepared at least one day in advance).
11. Add black beans and simmer 5 minutes before serving.