Chocolate Chili Recipe: Sweet Heat for Cozy Nights

A chocolate chili blends the rich, velvety flavor of chocolate with the bold, spicy zing of chili for a surprising, mouthwatering treat.

Ready to spice up your chocolate game? You’re about to embark on a wild flavor journey with the ultimate chocolate chili recipe. Whether you’re a chili champ or a chocolate fan, we’ve got the scrumptious, spicy details you crave.

Inside

Chocolate Chili Extravaganza

chocolate chili extravaganza

Tired of the usual chili? Let’s step it up a notch with some chocolate! This isn’t your everyday dessert cocoa; think rich, dark chocolate adding a mouthwatering depth to the savoriness of your chili. Perfect for impressing your friends or simply indulging your eclectic palate.

  • Cooking Method: Simmering
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cuisine Type: Fusion

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Toss in chopped red bell pepper; cook for another 3 minutes.
  4. Throw in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using); stir well to coat.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth; stir to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  8. Uncover the pot and add the chopped dark chocolate; stir until melted and well incorporated.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  11. Serve hot, with your favorite garnishes.

Suggestions

  • Alternative Ingredients: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a vegetarian meat substitute.
  • Garnishing Options: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra pizzazz.
  • Cooking Tips: Let it sit. The flavors deepen the longer it simmers. For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the chocolate.