Black Rum-Spiked Chocolate Chili
Hearty chili with deep layers of flavor enhanced by black rum and dark chocolate, creating a bold and warming dish perfect for chilly evenings. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs pound ground beef, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup black rum
- 1 oz, chopped dark chocolate
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 pound ground beef, cooking and breaking up meat with a spoon for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 15 ounces drained and rinsed kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup black rum and stir in 1 ounce chopped dark chocolate until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Step 7: Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Black Rum-Spiked Chocolate Chili take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Black Rum-Spiked Chocolate Chili?
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 pound ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Black Rum-Spiked Chocolate Chili?
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 Black Rum-Spiked Chocolate Chili 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 Black Rum-Spiked Chocolate Chili?
American 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.
