Braised Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Cocoa
A hearty, slow-braised beef chili infused with smoky chipotle peppers and a hint of cocoa for deep, complex flavor. This american-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, olive oil, large yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Step 2: Remove the beef and reduce heat to medium. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped chipotle peppers, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to toast the spices and develop aroma.
- Step 4: Return beef to the pot and add 28 oz diced tomatoes with juices, 15 oz drained kidney beans, and 2 cups beef broth. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it braise gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and sauce thickens to a rich consistency.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Cocoa take to make?
Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Braised Beef Chili with Smoky 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 beef chuck, cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Beef Chili with Smoky 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 Braised Beef Chili with Smoky 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 Braised Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Cocoa?
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.
