Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Chipotle and Dark Cocoa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A robust slow-cooked beef chili infused with smoky chipotle peppers and a hint of dark cocoa for deep, complex flavor. This american-inspired beef ready in about 375 minutes turns (80% lean) ground beef, large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned with no pink remaining. Transfer beef to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 1 tbsp dark cocoa powder, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 cup beef broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Chipotle and Dark Cocoa take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Chipotle and Dark 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Chipotle and Dark 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Chipotle and Dark 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Chipotle and Dark 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.

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