This Chocolate & Stout Chili is where rich cocoa and bold stout meet the savory depth of slow-simmered beef and spices.

It’s smoky, slightly sweet, subtly bitter, and packed with umami — the kind of chili that gets better by the hour and hits hard on a cold night.

Whether you’re cooking for game day, a crowd, or just treating yourself to a bowl of true comfort, this one goes all in on flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 12 oz stout beer (dry Irish stout or chocolate stout preferred)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1½ oz dark chocolate (about ¼ cup chopped or ⅓ cup chips), 70% cocoa or higher
• Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar or 1 chipotle in adobo for extra depth

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add ground meat and cook until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Build the Base

Add onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened — about 5–7 minutes.

Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook another 1–2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Spices

Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt.

Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Step 4: Deglaze with Stout

Pour in the stout beer and scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.

Simmer for 3–5 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Step 5: Simmer Everything

• Add crushed tomatoes, beans, and chocolate.
• Stir until the chocolate melts and everything is combined.
• Simmer uncovered on low for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.

Optional: Add brown sugar or chipotle in adobo during this step to deepen the flavor and round out the bitter edge.

Serving Ideas

• Top With:
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Chopped green onions or cilantro
  • Avocado slices
  • Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread croutons
• Serve With:
  • Cornbread or buttered sourdough
  • Roasted sweet potatoes or rice
  • A pint of the same stout used in the pot

Beer Pairing

• Use in chili: Dry Irish stout, chocolate stout, milk stout
• Serve with: The same stout, or pair with:
  • Porter (for roastiness)
  • Amber ale (for malt balance)
  • Dark lager (for smooth drinkability)

Final Thoughts

Chocolate & Stout Chili is not your average chili — it’s rich, smoky, a little sweet, and built with serious layers of flavor.

The stout adds a dark, malty backbone. The chocolate adds depth. Together, they turn this into a dish that’s bold, comforting, and totally unforgettable.

Cheers to dark beer, dark chili, and warm bowls all winter long! 🍫🍺🔥

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