Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili with Dark Chocolate

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-05 · Updated 2026-08-05

A hearty chili where rich ground beef simmers with whiskey and a touch of dark chocolate for depth and warmth. 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 450 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
• 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup whiskey
• 1 oz, chopped dark chocolate
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup whiskey carefully and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce and infuse the flavors.
5. Step 5: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 1 cup beef broth, 1 oz chopped dark chocolate, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the chili for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors melded.