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Chocolate Chili

Dive into cozy comfort with this rich and smoky Chocolate Chili recipe — a gourmet twist on classic beef chili that blends bold spices, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate for unforgettable depth and warmth. Perfect for chilly nights, game-day gatherings, or an easy slow-cooker dinner, this hearty chili combines ground beef, black beans, and tomatoes with green chilies for the ultimate one-pot meal. The secret ingredient? Just a touch of dark chocolate that enhances the savory, spicy flavor — not sweet, but deeply satisfying. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for the best comfort food experience!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 333 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 2.2 lbs (1 Kilo) Ground Beef
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground Pepper, to taste
  • 2 medium Onions, chopped/diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 large Green Bell Pepper, diced
  • 3 Celery stalks, sliced to about 1/2-inch thickness
  • 1 Tablespoon unsweetened Cocoa powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
  • 2 (15 oz) canned Black Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (15 oz) canned Tomatoes with Green Chillies
  • 2 1/2 cups Beef Broth or more, if needed
  • 1-2 oz (70 %) Dark Chocolate bar (1-2 squares)

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef:

  • In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper for a flavorful start.

Add Vegetables: 

  • Stir in onions, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 6–8 minutes.

Bloom the Spices: 

  • Lower the heat and add cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon. Stir and cook gently to release the spices’ full aromas.

Simmer Slowly: 

  • Add the black beans, canned tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for about an hour or cook in a slow cooker on low for 4–6 hours.

Finish with Chocolate:

  • Stir in the dark chocolate squares and let them melt. Adjust seasoning, and serve hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 333kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 25gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 819mgPotassium: 549mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 368IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 4mg
Keyword chocolate chili, slow cooker chili
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