Lighter Beef Chili

from everyday food

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil, such as safflower
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 4  garlic cloves, chopped
•  coarse salt
•  ground pepper
• 2  tablespoons tomato paste
• 2  tablespoons chili powder
• 2  tablespoons  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1  lb  ground sirloin
• 2 (14 1/2ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
• 2 (14 1/2ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Directions

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Add tomato paste, chili powder, and cocoa powder. Cook, stirring, until mixture is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add beef, and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes (with their juice) and beans. Bring to a boil over high; reduce to a simmer, and cook until chili is slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with toppings, if desired.