One-Pot Cozy Chocolate Chili (Printable)

A comforting chili with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a touch of cocoa nibs in one pot.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with 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, or 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 and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, drained beans, cocoa powder, and broth. Mix thoroughly to combine.
06 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let 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 desired.
08 - Serve hot, topped with preferred garnishes such as cilantro, sour cream, cheddar cheese, or green onions.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Hearty and satisfying one-pot meal
  • Unique chocolate twist with cocoa nibs
02 -
  • For a vegetarian version, use plant-based mince and vegetable broth
  • Cocoa nibs add a subtle crunch and deep chocolate flavor, do not skip
03 -
  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor intensity
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeño to control heat level
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