Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili with Dark Chocolate and Chipotle

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-23 · Updated 2026-05-23

Hearty beef chili slow-simmered with a splash of bourbon whiskey and a hint of dark chocolate for depth, balanced by smoky chipotle peppers. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 70 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 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 ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
• 2 peppers minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz, chopped dark chocolate
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and deepen the flavor.
5. Step 5: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer the chili gently for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Step 7: Stir in 1 oz chopped dark chocolate until melted and fully integrated, enriching the chili with a subtle bitterness.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.