Brown the Mince: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot or Dutch oven over a medium-high heat. Add the beef mince in two batches, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes per batch, until deeply browned all over. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the meat instead of browning it. Use a slotted spoon to remove the browned mince and set it aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and red pepper to the same pot, using the rendered beef fat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Bloom the Spices: Add the chilli powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, oregano, and chipotle powder to the pot with the vegetables. Stir continuously for 1 minute. This step, known as blooming, toasts the spices and unlocks their full aromatic potential.

Deglaze and Combine: Pour in the dark beer or coffee to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with your spoon – this is where so much flavour is. Let it bubble and reduce by about half.

Add Liquids and Flavourings: Return the browned mince to the pot. Add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Simmer to Perfection: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes. Stir it every 20-30 minutes to prevent it from sticking. What works best for me is keeping the lid slightly ajar to allow the sauce to thicken gradually.

Add the Final Touches: After 1.5 hours, stir in the dark chocolate until it has completely melted into the sauce. Add the drained kidney beans and black beans. Place the lid back on and continue to simmer for a final 30 minutes.

Rest and Serve: Remove the chili from the heat and let it stand for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to settle and deepen. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with your favourite toppings.