Spicy Chocolate Chili Delight
Transform your next family dinner with this Spicy Chocolate Chili Delight, inspired by traditional Mexican flavors and infused with a rich chocolate twist. Perfect for those chilly nights, this hearty chili combines the warmth of spices, the richness of ground beef, and the deep flavor of semi-sweet chocolate. Whether you stick with mild ingredients for a family-friendly meal or ramp up the heat for a spicier kick, this dish caters to all taste buds. Garnish with crumbled taco shells, creamy shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and vibrant diced tomatoes for an explosion of flavors and textures. Enjoy a bowl (or two) of warm comfort that even your pickiest eaters will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Onion
1 (diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Diced green chilies
1 (4-ounce can) (None)
Taco seasoning mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (None)
Lean ground beef
2 lbs (None)
Diced tomatoes
1 (28-ounce can) (None)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (None)
Water
2 cups (None)
Thick & chunky salsa
1 (16-ounce jar) (None)
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup (None)
Slivered almonds
1/2 cup (None)
Pinto beans
1 (15-ounce can) (drained)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2
Stir in the diced green chilies and taco seasoning mix. Add the lean ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until the meat is browned and cooked through.
3
Pour in the diced tomatoes, cinnamon, water, and thick & chunky salsa. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and slivered almonds. Stir everything together until well combined.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
5
Finally, add the drained pinto beans and simmer for an additional 15 minutes until heated through. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chocolate Chili Delight?
It is a hearty chili inspired by traditional Mexican flavors, combining savory ground beef and spices with a rich twist of semi-sweet chocolate.
What kind of chocolate should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to provide a deep, rich flavor.
Is this chili very spicy?
The spice level is adjustable. While it uses taco seasoning and green chilies, you can choose mild ingredients for a family-friendly meal or ramp up the heat for a spicier kick.
How long does it take to cook the chili?
The total simmering time is approximately 60 minutes, plus preparation and browning time.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of lean ground beef.
Can I substitute the pinto beans?
Yes, while the recipe calls for pinto beans, you can substitute them with black beans or kidney beans if preferred.
Why are slivered almonds included in the ingredients?
Slivered almonds are added to provide a unique texture and flavor profile similar to traditional Mexican mole sauces.
Do I need to drain the pinto beans?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one 15-ounce can of pinto beans, drained.
What are the recommended garnishes for this chili?
Suggested garnishes include crumbled taco shells, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and diced tomatoes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 main ingredients including spices and oil.
What kind of salsa should I use?
A 16-ounce jar of thick and chunky salsa is recommended for the best consistency.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
While the instructions describe a stovetop method, you can adapt it by browning the beef first and then simmering all ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
How much cinnamon is added?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to complement the chocolate and savory spices.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.
Do I cook the chili covered or uncovered?
The recipe instructions specify simmering the mixture uncovered for the first 45 minutes.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Is this recipe suitable for families with children?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly meal that even pickiest eaters will love, especially if kept at a mild heat level.
How much water is needed for the broth?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of water.
What kind of canned tomatoes are used?
One 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes is used for this chili.
How long should the onions and garlic sauté?
They should be sautéed for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
How often should I stir the chili while it simmers?
It is recommended to stir every 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors and prevent sticking.
Can I omit the almonds if I have a nut allergy?
Yes, you can safely omit the slivered almonds without affecting the structural integrity of the dish.
What size can of green chilies is required?
The recipe uses one 4-ounce can of diced green chilies.
Does the chocolate make the chili taste like dessert?
No, the semi-sweet chocolate adds depth and richness to the savory spices rather than making it taste sweet.
Should the beef be browned before adding tomatoes?
Yes, the beef should be cooked for about 5 minutes until browned before adding the liquid ingredients.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much taco seasoning is used?
One 1 1/4 ounce package of taco seasoning mix is used.
At what point are the pinto beans added?
The pinto beans are added during the final 15 minutes of simmering.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish should be served hot with your favorite garnishes.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 minced garlic cloves, which are best for even flavor distribution.