Chocolate Chili is a fun twist on classic chili, blending spicy flavors with a hint of rich chocolate! This dish is hearty, warm, and a little sweet, perfect for a cozy night in.
It’s like a party in your mouth where the chocolate and spices dance together! I love serving it with cornbread, so there’s always a little something sweet and buttery on the side.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great base for sautéing, but feel free to use canola, coconut oil, or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Ground Meat: While I used ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tempeh are tasty alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Kidney Beans: These bring protein and a hearty texture. You can swap them for black beans or pinto beans if you prefer a different flavor.
Dark Chocolate: The key to a rich flavor! I like using 70% cocoa for that depth, but any high-quality dark chocolate will do. Milk chocolate could work, but it will be sweeter!
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust according to your heat preference! If you’re sensitive to spice, you can use paprika for a milder flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chili for Maximum Flavor?
The secret to a flavorful chili is low and slow cooking. Start by sautéing your onions and garlic to build a flavor base. Don’t rush this step! Once the spices are added, let everything simmer together. This way, the flavors meld beautifully.
- Cook for at least 30-40 minutes on low heat.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check the consistency. You can add more broth or water if it gets too thick.
- Add the chocolate towards the end of cooking to keep its rich flavor intact.
This cooking method really enhances the taste of the chili, making it comforting and delicious every time!
How to Make Delicious Chocolate Chili
Ingredients List:
For the Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup pumpkin or butternut squash, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 ounce (about 2 tablespoons) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced red chili pepper or chili flakes
- Optional: chopped peanuts or nuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty chocolate chili will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time. So in total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes to have a warm, delicious pot of chili ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell that yummy garlic aroma.
2. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Stir until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
3. Add Your Spices:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir so that the meat is fully coated in those spices.
4. Mix in the Main Ingredients:
Add the diced tomatoes, rinsed kidney beans, and optional diced pumpkin or butternut squash into the pot. Pour in the beef broth (or water) and mix everything together well.
5. Let it Simmer:
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let it cook for 30-40 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and the vegetables to soften. Don’t forget to give it a stir every now and then!
6. Add the Chocolate:
After simmering, remove the lid and stir in the chopped dark chocolate until it’s completely melted. This adds that special, rich depth to your chili that you’ll love!
7. Final Touches:
Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra salt or spice can make all the difference!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious chocolate chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced red chili pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts if you’d like. It’s perfect alongside some crusty bread or warm cornbread!
This chocolate chili is sure to be a hit with its unique flavor profile—combining spice with a hint of sweetness from the chocolate. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
Can I Use Different Beans in This Chili?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the pot.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
For a vegetarian or vegan version, simply replace the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It will still be hearty and full of flavor!
Can I Prepare This Chili in Advance?
Yes, you can make this chili ahead of time! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to combine. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What Can I Serve with Chocolate Chili?
This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, crusty bread, or a side salad. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese if desired!
