02/26/2026
February 26 - National Chili Day
Chili Con Carne = "Chili Pepper & Meat" 🌶️🥩
Did you know original "trail chili" was basically a savory brick? Frontier settlers would pound dried beef, peppers, and salt together so they could just toss it in a pot of boiling water on the trail! 🤠
It didn't go "viral" until the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, thanks to a San Antonio chili stand. It’s such a staple that Texas even named it their official state dish in 1977!
Are you a "purist" or do you load yours with beans and toppings? Tell me below! 👇
Easy Weeknight Chili
Prep 15 min | Ready in 30 min
Cocoa adds an extra level of flavor to this quick, hearty chili.
Ingredients
½ tbsp (7 mL) canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1½ lbs. (700 g) 90% lean ground beef
3 garlic cloves, pressed
3 tbsp (45 mL) chili powder
1½ tbsp (22 mL) unsweetened cocoa powder
2½ tsp (12 mL) cumin
¾ tsp (4 mL) Seasoning Salt
½ can (3 oz./90 g) tomato paste
1½ cups (375 mL) low-sodium beef broth
1½ cans (16 oz. or 398 mL each) fire roasted tomatoes, undrained (about 2½ cups/625 mL total)
1½ cans (16 oz. or 398 mL each) mild chili beans in sauce, undrained (about 2½ cups/625 mL total)
Optional: Sliced green onion, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeño slices
Directions
Heat the oil in the 4-qt. (3.8-L) Brilliance Nonstick Sauce Pan over medium heat until shimmering, about 3–5 minutes.
Add the onion to the pan. Cook and stir, uncovered, until the onions are slightly softened, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the ground beef and garlic. Cook over high heat for 8–10 minutes, breaking the beef into crumbles. When the beef is no longer pink, drain (if necessary).
Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve topped with sour cream, green onion, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or jalapeño slices, if you like.
Yield:
7 servings of 1½ cups (375 mL)
Nutrients per serving:
Calories 310, Total Fat 12 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 1030 mg, Carbohydrate 27 g, Fiber 9 g, Sugars 3 g (includes 0 g added sugars), Protein 27 g
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