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Chocolate Chili Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 56 reviews

This rich and hearty Chocolate Chili recipe combines traditional chili spices with the deep, complex flavor of dark chocolate for a unique and satisfying meal. Ground beef, black beans, and diced tomatoes simmer together with aromatic onions and garlic in a flavorful broth, making this dish perfect for a cozy dinner.

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

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Brown Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Season: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the browned beef mixture. Cook for another minute until the spices become fragrant.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained black beans, undrained diced tomatoes, roughly chopped dark chocolate, and low-sodium beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  5. Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to let flavors meld and the chocolate fully melt into the chili.
  6. Serve: Once thickened and flavorful, serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
  • Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities based on your preferred spice level.
  • Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best flavor depth.
  • Allowing the chili to simmer longer will deepen the flavors.
  • This chili pairs well with cornbread or steamed rice.

Keywords: chili recipe, chocolate chili, ground beef chili, spicy stew, dinner recipe, comfort food