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Cauldron Chili Bowls Easy One Pot Budget Friendly Recipe
C. Motter Cindy

Cauldron Chili Bowls

A rich, smoky, and deeply flavorful chili served in edible bread bowls, perfect as a hearty centerpiece for gatherings, especially in cooler months or Halloween parties.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Simmering Time 3 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Chili Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for rich flavor)
  • 1 large yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 green bell pepper deseeded and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper deseeded and diced
  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 15 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes undrained
  • 2 15-ounce cans kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (key for cauldron mystique)
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for kick
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for lighter base)
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder secret ingredient for depth
  • 1 bay leaf bay leaf
Bread Bowls
  • 6-8 round sourdough or crusty rustic bread loaves individual size, about 5-6 inches diameter

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Sharp serrated knife
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it completely, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease and set beef aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced yellow onion to pot and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, diced green and red bell peppers; cook an additional 5-8 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Return browned ground beef to pot with vegetables. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
  5. Add rinsed kidney and black beans, pour in beef broth. Stir in cocoa powder and add bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours or longer for deeper flavor. Stir occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste; remove bay leaf before serving.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut a circle near the top of each bread loaf, remove top 'lid', and scoop out soft interior, leaving ½ to ¾ inch thick walls to form bowls.
  8. Brush the insides of bread bowls and both sides of lids with olive oil. Place on baking sheet and bake 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and toasted.
  9. Ladle hot chili into prepared bread bowls. Serve immediately with desired toppings and bread lids for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 38gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 1100mgPotassium: 1200mgFiber: 12gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 3500IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Long simmering enhances flavor. Toast bread bowls to prevent sogginess. Cocoa powder adds subtle depth without chocolate taste. Customize spices and toppings to preference.
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