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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
