Chocolate Chili Recipe

Introduction

This hearty Chocolate Chili combines rich dark chocolate with classic chili spices for a unique, comforting dish. It’s perfect for cozy evenings and packs a flavorful punch that goes beyond your usual chili recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Step 3: Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, chopped dark chocolate, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with chopped mushrooms or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat level, adding more for a spicier chili.
• Adding a splash of strong coffee or espresso can enhance the depth of flavor along with the dark chocolate.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer longer or add a small amount of masa harina towards the end.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk or semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate is preferred for its deep, rich flavor that complements the spices, but you can use semi-sweet chocolate if needed. Milk chocolate is not recommended as it’s too sweet and can alter the dish’s balance.

What toppings pair well with Chocolate Chili?

Classic toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro work great. You can also try avocado slices, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.

Chocolate Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This rich and flavorful Chocolate Chili combines the warmth of traditional chili spices with the subtle depth of dark chocolate, creating a unique and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with lean ground beef, black beans, and aromatic vegetables, this hearty chili is simmered to perfection, balancing spice and sweetness for a truly satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Brown Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the chili lean.
3. Season: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the browned beef mixture. Cook for about one minute until the spices become fragrant, ensuring the flavors meld.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained black beans, undrained diced tomatoes, roughly chopped dark chocolate, and low-sodium beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Simmer: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the chili cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors develop and the chocolate to melt fully into the chili.
6. Serve: Serve the chili hot, accompanied by your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

• Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the best flavor balance.
• For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili peppers.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• This recipe can be made with ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
• Serve with cornbread or over steamed rice for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chocolate Chili, chili recipe, beef chili, dark chocolate chili, comfort food, hearty chili, spicy chili, one pot meal