Bing-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Chipotle and Cocoa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich and hearty slow cooker chili with smoky chipotle peppers and a hint of cocoa powder for depth and warmth. This Mexican-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 375 minutes, pairs ground beef, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the browned beef mixture into a slow cooker. Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed kidney beans, 2 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup beef broth.
  4. Step 4: Stir all ingredients in the slow cooker until combined. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bing-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Chipotle and Cocoa take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bing-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Chipotle and Cocoa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bing-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Chipotle and Cocoa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bing-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Chipotle and Cocoa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bing-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Chipotle and Cocoa?

Mexican beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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