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Quick Crockpot Beef Chili with Dark Chocolate

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This quick and easy crockpot beef chili with dark chocolate is a game-changer. The chocolate adds depth and richness without sweetness, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal that will change even the most skeptical minds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce (no salt added)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ounce dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
  • For serving: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips or Fritos, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned all over—about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
  2. Sauté the aromatics. Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion to the empty space and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir everything together.
  3. Bloom the spices. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using) over the beef mixture. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Transfer to the slow cooker. Scrape the beef mixture into your crockpot.
  5. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Add the tomato paste and stir until mostly dissolved.
  6. Add the beans. Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans until evenly distributed.
  7. Add the dark chocolate. Sprinkle the finely chopped dark chocolate over the top. Let it melt on its own for the first 10 minutes, then stir well.
  8. Season and cook. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
  9. Serve with toppings. Ladle the chili into bowls and let everyone customize their own with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the beef—it adds essential depth of flavor. Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content; milk chocolate will make the chili sweet. Let the chocolate sit on top for a few minutes before stirring to avoid a grainy texture. For best flavor, make a day ahead and reheat. To thicken, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in, cooking on high for 15-20 minutes uncovered.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, beef chili, dark chocolate chili, easy chili recipe, slow cooker chili, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/quick-crockpot-beef-chili-with-dark-chocolate-best-easy-recipe/