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Home » Type » Main Courses » Beef » Easy 30-Minute Chocolate Chili Recipe with Coffee and Black Beans

Easy 30-Minute Chocolate Chili Recipe with Coffee and Black Beans

February 9, 2015 by Faith 14 Comments

Jump to Recipe

With a hint of cocoa powder, espresso, and honey, this unique Chocolate Chili recipe is rich and complex-flavored without being overly heavy. It comes together in 1 pot in just 30 minutes!

close up bowl of espresso chocolate chili

If you’re looking for an easy, fun, and delicious meal to make for your special someone, look no further!

There are three unique ingredients here that make this chili something special. And they just happen to be perfect for Valentine’s Day, date night, etc.

Chocolate, coffee, and honey!

Most of us know about chocolate’s claim to fame as an aphrodisiac. But supposedly coffee and honey are as well (you can read more about their aphrodisiac qualities on PBS). This chili has it all!

If the whole chocolate/coffee thing sounds like a weird combo in chili, remember Cincinnati Chili, which also boasts chocolate. Yes, you can very slightly taste the coffee in this dish. However, I think it perfectly complements the beef and black beans.

And the cocoa powder and honey only add to the overall complexity of this chili! They provide additional layers of flavor, and help to create a balanced profile. You can’t pick out a sweet chocolate flavor at all.

I also added another special ingredient here – hickory smoked sea salt – which can just as easily be replaced with smoked sweet paprika if you can’t find it.

The best thing of all though? This one-pot 30-minute Chocolate Chili recipe means the cook gets a little time to relax too.

chocolate chili recipe with coffee

In This Article

  • Why Do You Put Chocolate in Chili?
  • The Best Chocolate Chili Recipe
  • What Should I Serve with Chili?
  • More 30-Minute Beef Dinner Ideas
  • 30-Minute Chocolate Chili Recipe with Coffee and Black Beans

Why Do You Put Chocolate in Chili?

First let me clarify. It’s not like we’re adding a bag of chocolate chips or a couple candy bars to our chili, lol!

Just 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder is all you need in this chili.

The first thing adding chocolate to chili does add richness to the dish as the chocolate marries with the spices. Cocoa powder also adds depth; it’s another layer of flavor that you can’t necessarily put your finger on, but you know there’s a special ingredient there. Additionally, it helps create balance by cutting the tomato’s acidity.

Chocolate in chili somehow pulls out the other flavors in the dish and enhances them. 

chocolate chili recipe graphic

The Best Chocolate Chili Recipe

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • 90% lean ground beef
  • Onion
  • Green bell pepper
  • Garlic
  • Canned crushed tomatoes
  • Water
  • Instant espresso powder
  • Honey
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Chili powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Coarse salt
  • Hickory smoked sea salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • Bay leaf
  • Canned black beans

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics:

Heat the oil in a 5-quart pot over high heat. Once hot, add the beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cover the pot and cook until the meat is browned, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Add Everything Else and Let it Simmer:

Add the crushed tomatoes, water, espresso powder, honey, cocoa powder, chili powder, oregano, coarse salt, smoked salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Cover the pot and bring it up to a boil, then turn the heat down so it doesn’t boil over, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the beans during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

Step 3: Serve:

Serve topped with any garnishes you like.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Additionally, this meal freezes really well! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What Should I Serve with Chili?

  • Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
  • Cornbread Muffins
  • Baked potatoes
  • Sweet Potato Fries
  • Steamed rice
  • Cauliflower Rice

More 30-Minute Beef Dinner Ideas

  • Ground Beef Stir Fry
  • Buffalo Roast Beef on Weck
  • Weeknight Beef Bolognese
chocolate chili

Let’s Connect

I love hearing from you!
Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment.
You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media.
To stay up-to-date, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
xoxo, Faith

30-Minute Chocolate Chili Recipe with Coffee and Black Beans

By: Faith Gorsky
With a hint of cocoa powder, espresso, and honey, this unique Chocolate Chili recipe is rich and complex-flavored without being overly heavy. It comes together in 1 pot in just 30 minutes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 447 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
  • 2 medium-large yellow onions chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper chopped
  • 6 large cloves garlic minced
  • 28 ounces can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons pure honey
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon hickory smoked sea salt see Note
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 30 ounces no-salt-added black beans (2 15-ounce cans), rinsed and drained

Optional Topping Ideas:

  • Avocado
  • Chopped parsley or cilantro
  • Shredded or crumbled cheese
  • Sour cream

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a 5-quart pot over high heat. Once hot, add the beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cover the pot and cook until the meat is browned, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, water, espresso powder, honey, cocoa powder, chili powder, oregano, coarse salt, smoked salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Cover the pot and bring it up to a boil, then turn the heat down so it doesn't boil over, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the beans during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
  • Serve topped with any garnishes you like.

Faith’s Tips

  • Nutrition Information: The nutritional information for this recipe was calculated without the optional topping ideas.
  • Hickory Smoked Sea Salt: If you can’t find this, substitute 1/4 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika and add an additional 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer-Friendly: This meal freezes really well! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
30-Minute Chocolate Chili Recipe with Coffee and Black Beans
Amount Per Serving
Calories 447 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 74mg25%
Sodium 1425mg62%
Potassium 1413mg40%
Carbohydrates 46g15%
Fiber 15g63%
Sugar 12g13%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 1171IU23%
Vitamin C 36mg44%
Calcium 152mg15%
Iron 8mg44%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Chili with Coffee and Chocolate, Chocolate Chili, Chocolate Chili Recipe, Coffee Chili
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
chocolate chili pin

Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, Beef, Gluten Free, Soups Tagged: Chili with Coffee and Chocolate, Chocolate Chili, Chocolate Chili Recipe, Coffee Chili

Comments

  1. Margo says

    March 23, 2023 at 12:00 pm

    Can I put this in a crockpot?

    Reply
    • Faith says

      March 23, 2023 at 2:21 pm

      Margo, Yes, this chili works well in a slow cooker. Reduce the water to 1/2 cup. If you want, you can sauté the beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a skillet and then add everything to the Crockpot. Or skip the sautéing step and just add everything directly to the Crockpot. It cooks on LOW for 5 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.

      Reply
  2. April says

    October 5, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    can you use cayenne instead of chili powder?

    Reply
    • Faith says

      October 6, 2016 at 10:29 am

      April, I typically like to use a combo of ancho chili powder and chipotle chili powder when I make chili; I’ve never tried it using just cayenne, but if you want to give it a try, know that cayenne will be quite a bit more spicy-hot than chili powder so you may want to use less (depending on personal preference). Let me know how it goes if you give it a try!

      Reply
  3. Audrey says

    February 15, 2015 at 8:36 pm

    Do the crushed tomatoes go in at step 2? It’s not specified.

    Reply
    • Faith says

      February 16, 2015 at 12:02 pm

      Audrey, Yes! Sorry about that, I just amended the recipe above. Hope you enjoy it if you give it a try! :)

      Reply
  4. Bren says

    February 15, 2015 at 10:49 am

    Yes to everything about this. Love, love.

    Reply
  5. Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says

    February 10, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    This looks absolutely delicious!!

    Reply
  6. Nicola - Pink Recipe Box says

    February 10, 2015 at 2:29 am

    I’ve never tried introducing espresso powder to a chilli recipe before – I’m very intrigued!

    Reply
  7. JoAn says

    February 10, 2015 at 1:39 am

    Looks really, really good, and something I have wanted to try (black beans instead of kidney beans). Wish I had a bowl right now!

    Reply
  8. Mary B. says

    February 9, 2015 at 9:09 pm

    Man oh man I want to try this…but I’m not sure how it will go down with my picky eaters!!! Hmmm…

    Reply
  9. Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says

    February 9, 2015 at 11:44 am

    This looks so hearty and delicious, Faith – such a creative twist on chili!

    Reply
  10. Becky Winkler says

    February 9, 2015 at 10:29 am

    This sounds great! I’ve put cocoa in my chili before but never coffee, but I’m sure it benefits from a mocha twist.

    Reply
  11. Rosa says

    February 9, 2015 at 6:39 am

    This chili looks extremely good. Lovely flavours!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply

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Hello and welcome to An Edible Mosaic! This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. Here you’ll find a focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home.

 

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An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

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I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

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affiliate disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

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