Slow-Simmered Beef Chili with Chipotle and Dark Cocoa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich and hearty beef chili slow-cooked with smoky chipotle peppers and a hint of dark cocoa for depth and warmth. This Latin American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 90 minutes, pairs ground beef, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 5, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 5 Latin American cuisine 370 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp dark cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until spices are fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz drained kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Step 5: Cover and simmer gently for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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-Simmered Beef Chili with Chipotle and Dark 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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered 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-Simmered Beef Chili with Chipotle and Dark Cocoa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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-Simmered Beef Chili with Chipotle and Dark Cocoa?

Latin 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.

Related recipes