Chocolate Chili Recipe: A Rich and Flavorful Twist on a Classic
A rich, flavorful chili recipe with a surprising ingredient—chocolate! Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining a crowd.
12
servings
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons (37 g) vegetable oil
- 1-1/2 cups (200 g) chopped onions (1 medium onion)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons table or sea salt, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 6 tablespoons chili powder
- 3 pounds (1361 g) ground beef
- 1 pound (452 g) ground pork
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 28-oz cans (1588 g) peeled and diced tomatoes
- 4 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons corn masa (“Masa Harina de maiz”)
- 2 ounces (56 g) semi-sweet chocolate baking bar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar--optional - (balsamic or apple cider)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook 1-1/2 cups chopped onions (1 medium onion) 2–3 minutes, then add 4 cloves garlic, minced for 1 minute.
- Bloom Spices: Stir in 1 teaspoon table or sea salt, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 4 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground oregano, and 6 tablespoons chili powder. Cook about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir often to prevent burning.
- Brown the Meat: Add 3 pounds ground beef and 1 pound ground pork. Season with remaining teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in 2 28-oz cans peeled and diced tomatoes and 4 bay leaves. (Crush with your hands, potato masher, or briefly blend if you prefer a smoother texture). Simmer 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with Masa & Chocolate: Remove bay leaves. Stir in 2 tablespoons corn masa (“Masa Harina de maiz”) to thicken, then add 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking bar until melted.
- Optional Kick: Add 1 tablespoon vinegar--optional before serving to brighten the flavors.
Notes
-
- Corn Masa Swap: Use flour (add with spices) or skip for thinner chili.
- Frozen Onions: Easy substitute, milder flavor, no chopping.
- Spice Boost: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or chipotle.
- Beans or No Beans: Add for bowls; skip for Texas-style.
- Better Next Day: Flavors deepen; chill to skim fat.
- Lighter Chili: Stir in 2–3 cups water or extra tomatoes.
Nutritional Information
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 553mg | Potassium: 558mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1209IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 4mg