Ground Beef Chili With Chocolate and Peanut Butter
This quick and satisfying recipe combines pantry staples like canned chiles, spices, and cocoa powder to transform ground beef or turkey into a flavor-packed masterpiece. In under an hour, you’ll have a hearty dish brimming with warmth and nuanced layers of taste.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef or dark turkey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced (approximately 8 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt with additional as needed
- 3 canned chiles in adobo finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup stout beer
- 1 cup unsalted or low-sodium beef or chicken stock
- 2 15-ounce cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 ounces dark chocolate chopped
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- Optional garnishes: tortilla chips shredded cheese, diced avocado
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a portion of the kosher salt. Stir occasionally and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped chiles, cocoa powder, smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and allspice. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant and well-toasted.
- Add the ground meat to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Introduce the diced tomatoes, stout beer, and stock to the pot. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the chili cook for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly reduce.
- Lower the heat further and stir in the pinto beans, chopped chocolate, and smooth peanut butter. Continue stirring until the beans are heated through, and the chocolate has fully melted, about 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with your choice of tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or diced avocado, as desired.