Chocolate Chili is a fun twist on your regular chili, combining spicy and sweet flavors. It has ground meat, beans, and a hint of chocolate that makes it deliciously unique!
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds—this chili sparks joy with its warmth and richness! I love serving it with some bread for a cozy meal at home. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey or even plant-based ground meat can work wonderfully, especially if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are a great time-saver, but if you prefer fresh, cook dried beans overnight and use them instead!
Dark Chocolate: Opt for chocolate with 70% cocoa. If you want a sweeter taste, you could use milk chocolate instead, but be mindful of how sweet it makes the dish.
Tomato Paste: Tomato sauce can be used in place of tomato paste, just reduce the liquid in the recipe a bit to keep the chili thick.
How Do I Make Sure My Chili Has the Perfect Flavor?
Getting the flavor just right is key! Start by sautéing the onions in olive oil, which builds a solid flavor base. Next, don’t skip on the spices—each one plays a critical role.
- Cook spices with the meat to bring out their flavors.
- Let the chili simmer long enough for ingredients to meld together, about 30-40 minutes.
- Finally, stir in the dark chocolate at the end until melted to enrich the overall flavor.
Adjust seasonings to your liking. If you want more heat, add cayenne while cooking; for tanginess, a dash of vinegar can brighten it up!
Chocolate Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chili Base:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- For the Spices:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Chocolate Flavor:
- 1 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- Optional toppings: chopped white chocolate, crushed chili flakes, chopped dark chocolate pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chocolate Chili takes about 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook. So, in total, you will need around 50 minutes to bring this delicious dish to life!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. You want it to smell delightful!
2. Add Garlic and Beef:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until you can smell its delicious aroma. Then, add the ground beef (or turkey) and break it up with a spoon, cooking until it’s browned and fully cooked, around 6-8 minutes.
3. Add Veggies:
Once the meat is cooked, toss in the diced carrot and red bell pepper. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften.
4. Spice It Up!
Now it’s time to add the spices! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to coat the meat and veggies with the spices.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Next, mix in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black beans, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 30-40 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom!
6. Finish with Chocolate:
After simmering, remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate until it melts and enriches the chili’s flavor. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary—this is your chance to customize it!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, ladle the hot chocolate chili into bowls, topping with your choice of optional garnishes such as chopped white chocolate, crushed chili flakes, and dark chocolate pieces for extra flavor contrast. Serve it warm, and enjoy every cozy bite!
This Chocolate Chili uniquely balances spicy heat with the deep richness of chocolate, making for a bold and comforting dish. Perfect with warm bread or over rice! Enjoy! 🌶️🍫
Can I Use Different Meats in This Chili?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat can be substituted for the ground beef. Each option brings a different flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chocolate chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! You can easily adjust the spice level by altering the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder you add. If you want less heat, use half the amount of cayenne pepper or eliminate it altogether. For extra heat, feel free to add more spices!
What Are Some Good Toppings?
Great options for toppings include chopped white chocolate, avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Crushed tortilla chips add a nice crunch, too!
