Bonfire-Inspired Smoked Beef Chili with Chipotle and Cocoa
A smoky, rich beef chili infused with chipotle peppers and a hint of cocoa powder, perfect for hearty gatherings. This american southwest-inspired beef ready in about 65 minutes turns ground beef (80% lean), olive oil, large yellow onion, diced into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes and 1 1/2 cups beef broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes until chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bonfire-Inspired Smoked Beef Chili with Chipotle and Cocoa take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Bonfire-Inspired Smoked Beef Chili with Chipotle and Cocoa?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bonfire-Inspired Smoked 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 Bonfire-Inspired Smoked 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 Bonfire-Inspired Smoked Beef Chili with Chipotle and Cocoa?
American Southwest 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.
