Moms Chili with Black Beans

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 Tbls Olive Oil
• 3/4 c onion � small chop
• 1 Large Carrot � grated fine or pulsed in food processor
• 1 large clove garlic � minced or grated
• 1 small can tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (NOT drained)
• 1 can low-fat refried black beans
• 2 c beef stock
• 1 1/2 tsp Ancho chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp New Mexico chili powder
• 3 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and Pepper

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, saut� onion in olive oil for a couple of minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for a minute. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper. Cook until brown (just until pink is gone) breaking it up as it cooks. (I take a potato masher to it) Stir in carrots then add seasonings and stir to coat meat. Add tomato paste and cook for about 3 minutes while stirring (so it doesn�t burn). Add diced tomatoes (juice and all) and stock. Reduce heat and simmer 10 � 15 minutes. Stir in refried black beans and cook another 5 minutes; until beans are melded into chili.
2. To serve; ladle into bowls, top with cheese and fresh diced onion. Other toppings that work well with this are: sour cream and avocado.