Beef and Black Bean Chili

3 stars, easy, pretty good, since it's so lo-cal I'll try it again w/some tweaks to improve flavor & thickness, but there are lots of good chili recipes. The smoked paprika is really nice & cocoa gives a richness to make up for the small amount of beef. REALLY needs salt--add 2 teas & at least 1/4 teas pepper. Use 3 Tablespoons chili powder (what's "Hot"?--I just have normal chili powder). For thickness & richness skip beef broth but use 2 teaspoons beef soup base, bouillon or 2 packets beef flavor boost instead.

This is a great recipe, my family and I love it.  The only thing we do differently is add a bit of sugar to cut the acidity of the tomatoes and red pepper flakes to give it some kick.  We serve it with a dollop of sour cream and a couple of avacado slices.  Yum!

One more thing many do not know about seasonings where some heat is desired. Medical Science became interested as to why many Mexican men, even those who drank much of the time, did not have ulcers!!! After removing one ingredient at a time it came to just one! It was Cayenne pepper. it was also found that it aided in digestion and healed intestinal problems! When I make chili I cut back on the chili powder and add extra Cayenne! Careful as some Cayenne can be very hot as it veries. You have just had some healthy cooking that tastes the best.. remember the paprika!