Cozy One-Pot Chocolate Chili (Print View)

Hearty chili with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a hint of cocoa for cozy flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (alternatively ground turkey or plant-based mince)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

→ Beans & Tomatoes

06 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
14 - ½ tsp dried oregano
15 - ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
16 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
17 - Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Chocolate Twist

18 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
19 - 2 tbsp cocoa nibs

→ Liquids

20 - 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth

→ Garnishes (optional)

21 - Chopped fresh cilantro
22 - Sour cream or plain yogurt
23 - Shredded cheddar cheese
24 - Sliced green onions

# How To Make It:

01 - 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.
02 - Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño, cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes.
03 - Incorporate chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, mixing thoroughly.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, drained kidney and black beans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and broth. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in cocoa nibs and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sour cream or yogurt, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions as desired.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • Rich deep chocolate flavor
  • Gluten-Free and easy to make
02 -
  • Use plant-based mince and vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • Cocoa nibs add subtle crunch and deepen chocolate flavor
03 -
  • Brown the meat well for deeper flavor
  • Simmer uncovered to thicken the chili perfectly
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