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    Home » Our latest posts » Main Courses with Meat

    Chili Con Carne with Chocolate is a Rich Hearty Meal

    October 20, 2019 Filed Under: Beef and Lamb, Main Courses with Meat

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Hearty meaty Chili con Carne with a secret ingredient - chocolate! The chocolate balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and deepens the overall flavor of the chili.

    Chili con Carne with Chocolate may sound like an odd combination, but the chocolate adds a depth of flavor you didn't know your old chili recipe was missing. 

    top down view of chili con carne with chocolate in a bowl

    Yes, this recipe adds chocolate to beef chili.

    Chocolate does amazing things for beef recipes such as this Spicy Chocolate Marinated TriTip or even chicken like in this Slow Cooker Chicken Mole.

    No, I haven't lost my mind. It does not taste like you added a candy bar to your chili.

    Unsweetened chocolate gives these dishes an incredible earthy rich flavoring. Most people won't even realize that it is chocolate that is giving it the extra layer of flavor.

    Don't overdo it though, a little bit of baking chocolate or a tablespoon or two of cocoa goes a long way.

    Serving Suggestions for Chili with Chocolate

    Like all chili recipes, it is best when served with cornbread, preferably made in a cast iron skillet.

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    Game Day Chili Recipes

    • 6 Can Chili by Our Good Life
    • Chili Con Carne with Chocolate by That Recipe
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    • Easy Book Club Chili by Art of Natural Living
    • One-Pot Chili Mac by Cheese Curd In Paradise
    • Roasted Garlic Turkey Chili by A Day in the Life on the Farm
    • Slow Cooker Turkey Chili by Karen's Kitchen Stories

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    Chili Con Carne with Chocolate

    top down view of bowl of chili
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 small onion (peeled and finely chopped)
    • 1 medium bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
    • 2 cloves garlic (peeled and finely chopped)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 pound lean ground beef
    • 32 ounce can of crushed tomatoes
    • 16 ounce can red kidney beans (drained)
    • 1 ounce baking chocolate
    • 2 tablespoons chili powder
    • Pinch crushed red pepper (more or less to taste)

    Instructions
     

    • In a stock pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion, pepper and garlic until onion begins to turn translucent.
    • Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink.
    • Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about one hour.
    • Serve with cornbread and your favorite chili fixins.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Wendy Klik

      October 20, 2019 at 6:15 am

      Adding cocoa to chili does add a great flavor. Your version sounds wonderful

      Reply
    2. Karen

      October 20, 2019 at 2:14 pm

      I'm going to have to try that! After all, mole has cocoa in it, so why not?

      Reply
    3. Cheese Curd In Paradise

      October 21, 2019 at 7:47 pm

      I love the simple ingredients and the baking chocolate in this recipe! It sounds rich and delicious!

      Reply
    4. Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng

      October 24, 2019 at 8:17 pm

      I have heard of chocolate in chicken mole before but never in chili. But that makes sense when you think about it. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    5. Christie

      December 30, 2019 at 7:24 am

      Chocolate adds such a rich and delicious flavor to chili. I grew up on Skyline Chili and LOVE mole everything. Can't wait to try this one.

      Reply

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