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Cozy Crockpot Beef Chili with Dark Chocolate – Easy & Rich

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A rich, deeply flavorful chili made with ground beef, beans, and a secret ingredient—dark chocolate. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a comforting meal perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
  • For serving: sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, cornbread or crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned all over (6-8 minutes). Transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker using a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the skillet.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, cook diced onion over medium heat until soft and translucent (about 4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape into slow cooker.
  3. Bloom spices: Reduce heat to low. Add tomato paste to skillet and stir for 30 seconds. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1/4 cup water and scrape up browned bits. Pour into slow cooker.
  4. Assemble: Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, and black beans to slow cooker. Stir to combine. Break dark chocolate into pieces and add; stir until chocolate begins to melt.
  5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir halfway through. If chili is too thin, leave lid off for last 30 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, cumin, or cayenne as needed. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten flavors.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes. Serve with cornbread or crusty bread.

Notes

For best flavor, brown the beef and bloom the spices. Use good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher). Chili tastes even better the next day. To thicken, mash some beans against the pot or use a cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, beef chili, dark chocolate chili, slow cooker chili, easy chili recipe, comfort food, game day chili

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-crockpot-beef-chili-with-dark-chocolate-easy-and-rich/