One-Pot Texan Beef Chili with Roasted Poblano and Dark Chocolate
A rich and hearty one-pot beef chili featuring roasted poblano peppers and a hint of dark chocolate for depth, inspired by Texas outdoor cooking. This american-inspired beef ready in about 65 minutes pairs (85% lean) 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 380 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 lb (85% lean) ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 medium, roasted, peeled, seeded, and diced poblano peppers
- 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 oz, chopped dark chocolate
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place 2 medium poblano peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until skins are blistered and blackened. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap to steam for 10 minutes, then peel, seed, and dice.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 diced roasted poblano peppers, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup beef broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 oz chopped dark chocolate until melted and fully incorporated, giving the chili a rich depth. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Texan Beef Chili with Roasted Poblano and Dark Chocolate take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 One-Pot Texan Beef Chili with Roasted Poblano and Dark Chocolate?
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 (85% lean) ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Texan Beef Chili with Roasted Poblano and Dark Chocolate?
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 One-Pot Texan Beef Chili with Roasted Poblano and Dark Chocolate 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 One-Pot Texan Beef Chili with Roasted Poblano and Dark Chocolate?
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.
