Smoky Chipotle Chocolate Chili

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Looking for a cozy, flavorful dish that combines a bit of heat with rich depth? This Smoky Chipotle Chocolate Chili is your new go-to. It's perfect for those days when you crave a comforting meal with a unique twist.

Ingredients for Smoky Chipotle Chocolate Chili

Olive oil sets the base for sautéing, adding a subtle richness. Onion and garlic bring classic aromatic depth. The combination of ground beef and ground pork provides a robust, meaty texture. Fresh red and green bell peppers add color and sweetness. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give the dish its smoky heat, while the adobo sauce intensifies the flavor. Diced tomatoes and beef broth form the base of the chili, keeping it juicy and flavorful. Black beans and kidney beans offer a creamy texture and protein boost. Dark chocolate adds a surprising depth and a hint of sweetness. Ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon create a warm spice blend. Finally, a splash of apple cider vinegar brightens everything up at the end.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers.
  • Try using half beef and half chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
  • Chocolate chips can work in a pinch if you don't have dark chocolate on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chili with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Top it with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some fresh cilantro for added brightness. Pair with a cold lager or a glass of red wine to complement the robust flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the meat for more beans or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, this chili will last up to 4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate is recommended for its bitterness, which enhances the chili's depth, but milk chocolate can work if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Smoky Chipotle Chocolate Chili Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion and garlic, cooking them until the onion is nice and translucent, about five minutes. This is your aromatic base, so make sure you get a good sauté going.

Next, add the ground beef and ground pork. Break them apart with your spoon and let them brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. You're aiming for a nice, golden brown color on the meat.

Once the meat is browned, it's time to bring in the veggies. Add your red and green bell peppers, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Give it a good stir and let the mixture cook for about 3-4 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

Now, pour in your diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring everything to a simmer. This should start smelling amazing!

Once it's simmering, mix in the dark chocolate, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the spices are well combined with the rest of the ingredients.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes. This gives all those bold flavors time to develop. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Just before serving, stir in the apple cider vinegar. It adds a nice tang that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bold, smoky flavors from chipotle peppers and smoked paprika.
  • Richness from dark chocolate that deepens the taste.
  • Perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
  • Satisfying and hearty, great for feeding a crowd or meal prep.
  • Uses pantry staples with a few exciting extras.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
2 tbsp adobo sauce
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups beef broth
2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion becomes translucent.
2. Add ground beef and ground pork to the pot; cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in red and green bell peppers, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce; cook for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Mix in dark chocolate, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper; stir well to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in apple cider vinegar before serving.

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