Coffee-Infused Beef Chili with Chipotle and Cocoa

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-26 · Updated 2026-07-26

A rich and deeply flavored chili that uses brewed coffee and cocoa powder to enhance the smoky chipotle heat and tender beef. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs ground beef, olive oil, 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 4, 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 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 cup brewed strong coffee
• 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup water

The coffee makers we’d brew this with → Best Coffee Makers in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper, coating the beef and onion mixture evenly.
5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup brewed strong coffee, 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 0.5 cup water, and 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed kidney beans. Mix well.
6. Step 6: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let cook gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.