Name: 30-Minute Chocolate Chili Recipe with Coffee and Black Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
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); Avocado; Chopped parsley or cilantro; Shredded or crumbled cheese; Sour cream

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.

In This Article

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.

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?

More 30-Minute Beef Dinner Ideas

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

Why Do You Put Chocolate in Chili?