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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Main Courses with Meat

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    Flavorful and Hearty Southwestern Black Bean Chili

    Published: Oct 30, 2018 ยท Modified: Sep 30, 2023 by Audrey ยท This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Southwestern Black Bean Chili is a hearty weeknight fast beef chili with black beans, corn and aromatic southwestern spices.

    Southwestern Black Bean Chili is an easy and hearty chili that will warm you up on a chilly day.

    bowl of black bean chili with cornbread

    I was craving chili one night, so I thought I'd make my favorite Chasen's Chili recipe.

    But, instead of kidney beans, or even pinto beans all I had was black beans...

    and what was that sitting next to it? a can of corn...

    oooo, and maybe some chocolate to amp up the earthy flavor...

    And the next thing I knew I had a lovely Southwestern Chili.

    Chocolate in Chili

    What?! Chocolate in chili? Chocolate is for dessert not a savory dish!

    Not in Latin America where chocolate originated. Cacao is not naturally sweet, the sugar (and often milk) is added after processing.

    Mole (pronounced mo-lay) is a delightful savory dish of chicken in a rich chocolate sauce. Mexican Hot Chocolate is chocolatey and spicy with just a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors, unlike our overly sugared drink.

    You can learn more about using chocolate beyond dessert in this Washington Post article.

    In this recipe, the chocolate helps balance the spices and gives the chili a nice earthy undertone. You can opt for a lightly sweetened dark chocolate, or chose unsweetened cocoa powder.

    Ingredients for Southwestern Chili

    The ingredients are all easy to find:

    ground beef - or turkey or pork, I usually use 4-7% fat

    canned black beans

    corn - canned, frozen or even fresh if you have it

    canned diced tomatoes - or crushed or whole tomatoes broken up

    yellow onion - or white

    olive oil - or other cooking oil

    spices: garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt

    dark chocolate - sweetened or unsweetened chocolate or a tablespoon of cocoa powder

    How to Serve Southwestern Chili

    My favorite way to enjoy this is with some cornbread and a salad.

    Top it with sour cream, chopped onions, grated cheese, or black olives.

    Serve it with saltine crackers, tortilla chips or corn chips.

    Or scoop some on top of hot dogs or fries.

    More Chili Recipes from #OurFamilyTable

    Our family table logo

    Chili is a classic American stew which, like most recipes, has hundreds of variations. Here are a few to try from some of my favorite bloggers:

    Best Chili Recipes

    • Best Homemade Chili Dog Sauce from Jen Around the World
    • Chili con Tres Carne from Hezzi-D's Recipe Box
    • Copycat Empress Chili (Cincinnati Style) from Palatable Pastime
    • Frito Pie from Art of Natural Living
    • Jambalaya Chili from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
    • Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chili from The Spiffy Cookie
    • Southwestern Black Bean Chili from That Recipe


    We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board, too!

    bowl of black bean chili with cornbread

    Recipe

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ยฝ onion (chopped)
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 2 cans 15 ounce diced tomatoes
    • 2 cans 15 ounce black beans
    • 1 can 15 ounce corn
    • 1 ounce dark chocolate
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • salt (to taste)
    • cayenne pepper (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • In a stock pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onions until translucent. 
    • Brown ground beef, drain of excess fat if needed.
    • Add remaining ingredients and simmer until thick, about 30 minutes. 

    Sound fabulous? Share it!

    Until next time, happy eating!
    ~Audrey

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marilyn

      October 30, 2018 at 7:52 am

      Thank you for hosting. I love sharing with your readers and always find inspiration here. Have a blessed week! #OverTheMoon #ThursdayFavoriteThings

      Reply
    2. Amy

      October 30, 2018 at 9:23 am

      Thank you for hosting the party. Have a Happy Halloween!

      Reply

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