Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Dark Chocolate
Tender beef slow-cooked with smoky paprika and a hint of dark chocolate for rich depth, complemented by beans and a robust tomato base. This american-inspired beef ready in about 255 minutes pairs lean ground beef, olive oil, large, 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 lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 can (28 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 oz (70% cocoa), chopped dark chocolate
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 2: Transfer browned beef to a slow cooker. In the same skillet, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 2 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour the onion and spice mixture into the slow cooker with the beef. Add 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 1 cup beef broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and beef is tender.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 oz chopped dark chocolate until melted and incorporated just before serving, adding richness and depth.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Dark Chocolate take to make?
Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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 Smoked Paprika 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 lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika 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.
