Pin it A rich, warming chili featuring ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a touch of cocoa and cocoa nibs for deep, comforting flavor—perfect for a cozy night in.
This chili has become my go-to comfort food during the colder months and always impresses guests with its unique chocolate twist.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based mince)
- Yellow onion: 1 large, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Jalapeño pepper: 1, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- Kidney beans: 1 can (15 oz/425 g), drained and rinsed
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz/425 g), drained and rinsed
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz/800 g) with juice
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Chili powder: 2 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp (more to taste)
- Ground black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Cayenne pepper: Pinch (optional)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2 tbsp
- Cocoa nibs: 2 tbsp
- Low-sodium broth: 1 cup (240 ml) beef or vegetable broth
- Garnishes (optional): Chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream or plain yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook breaking up with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 2:
- Add diced onion and cook for 3 4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic red bell pepper and jalapeño cook for 2 3 minutes more.
- Step 3:
- Stir in chili powder cumin smoked paprika cinnamon oregano salt pepper and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute stirring.
- Step 5:
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juice drained beans cocoa powder and broth. Mix well.
- Step 6:
- Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Step 7:
- Stir in cocoa nibs and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 8:
- Serve hot topped with desired garnishes.
Pin it My family gathers around this chili every winter night sharing stories and enjoying the warmth and flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs wonderfully with cornbread or steamed rice for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations
Try adding sweet corn or swapping the ground meat for plant-based options to suit your preferences.
Pin it 
This chili balances bold spices and subtle chocolate notes to warm you from the inside out.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives this dish its chocolate flavor?
Unsweetened cocoa powder and cocoa nibs contribute a subtle chocolate depth that complements the spices and enhances the chili's richness.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based mince can be used as alternatives without compromising flavor or texture.
- → How spicy is the chili, and can I adjust it?
The recipe includes chili powder and optional jalapeño; you can easily reduce or increase these to suit your preferred spice level.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Cornbread and steamed rice are excellent options that balance the chili's hearty and rich flavors.
- → Are there gluten-free ingredients in this dish?
All core ingredients are naturally gluten-free; ensure broth and canned goods are labeled gluten-free to avoid hidden gluten.
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, followed by 45 minutes of simmering for a total of roughly 1 hour.