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.
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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
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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.
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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.
