This Chocolate Chili is a fun twist on a classic dish. It combines spicy and sweet, with tender meat and rich chocolate that makes every bite special. It’s cozy and perfect for cold nights!
I love how the chocolate adds depth to the chili’s flavor. It’s a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, I can whip it up in about an hour—easy peasy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A staple for cooking, but you can use vegetable oil or even butter if you prefer. Each will add a different flavor to the dish!
Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter options. If you want a vegetarian version, try using lentils or quinoa instead for protein.
Butternut Squash: It adds natural sweetness and texture. Pumpkin or sweet potatoes work well for a similar effect. You can also skip squash altogether if you’re in a hurry!
Dark Chocolate: The chocolate is key for depth. You can replace it with cocoa powder (1 tablespoon, unsweetened) if you don’t have chocolate on hand, but adjust the sugar in your chili accordingly.
How Do I Brown Ground Meat Perfectly?
Getting that nice browned color on your ground meat is essential for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a hot pan! Preheat it for a couple of minutes.
- Add the meat in an even layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps it brown instead of steam.
- Let it cook without stirring for a few minutes, then stir and break it up. This way, you get nice color.
Don’t rush this step; it adds a ton of flavor to your chili!
Chocolate Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ounce dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
- Optional garnishes: small dried red chilies, pumpkin seeds, fresh cilantro or mint
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chocolate chili will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook—so about 55 minutes total! It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sizzle the Onions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it until it’s softened and slightly translucent, about 5 minutes. The smell will start to bring everyone into the kitchen!
2. Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until the fragrant aroma fills the air. Be careful not to burn the garlic; just let it become fragrant!
3. Brown the Meat:
Turn up the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or your meat mixture). Cook it for about 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s all browned and cooked through.
4. Add the Veggies:
Now, stir in the diced butternut squash and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This adds a nice texture and sweetness to the chili!
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Add in the kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Stir everything together so it all blends nicely!
6. Spice It Up:
Toss in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and black pepper. Mix it thoroughly. It will start to look and smell like chili!
7. Let It Simmer:
Bring the chili to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully and makes everything tender.
8. Stir In the Chocolate:
Right before you serve it, stir in the chopped dark chocolate until it’s melted completely and well combined. This is what makes your chili stand out!
9. Taste and Adjust:
Give the chili a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Is it flavorful enough? A little more salt or spice can make a big difference!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious chocolate chili hot! You can garnish it with dried chili peppers, pumpkin seeds, or fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy it with warm bread or over rice for a complete meal!
This chocolate chili is all about rich, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, with the dark chocolate adding a unique twist to a classic dish. Great for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like lentils or tempeh for a plant-based version. Adjust the cooking times as needed depending on your choice of meat.
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or pea protein, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and omit the dark chocolate or use vegan chocolate. It will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Chili in Advance?
Yes, you can make the chili ahead of time! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
What Should I Serve with Chocolate Chili?
This chili pairs well with warm bread, cornbread, or over rice. If you’re looking for a lighter option, it’s great with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables!
