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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Dark Chocolate and Cinnamon

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This cozy slow cooker beef chili with dark chocolate and cinnamon is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen — the one you turn to when you need something warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying. It’s not just chili; it’s a bowl of winter coziness, a hug in edible form, a reminder that the best meals often come from taking a small risk.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (mild blend)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped (70% cacao)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • For serving: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, cornbread or crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef in two batches, cooking until deeply browned (5-6 minutes per batch). Transfer to slow cooker using a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon rendered fat in the skillet.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet. Cook diced onion until softened (about 4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape into slow cooker.
  3. Bloom spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper to the empty skillet. Stir constantly over medium heat for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1/4 cup beef broth, scrape up browned bits, and pour into slow cooker.
  4. Add tomatoes, beans, and broth: Add diced tomatoes (undrained), crushed tomatoes, drained kidney beans, pinto beans, remaining beef broth, tomato paste, and brown sugar (if using) to slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  5. Add secret ingredients: Nestle cinnamon stick into chili, ensuring it’s submerged. Sprinkle chopped dark chocolate over top and stir gently.
  6. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, remove lid and stir well.
  7. Remove cinnamon stick and adjust seasoning: Use tongs or slotted spoon to remove cinnamon stick. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, cayenne, or lime juice as desired.
  8. Serve and garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes. Serve with warm cornbread or crusty bread.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the beef or blooming the spices – these steps build deep flavor. Use a cinnamon stick, not ground cinnamon, to avoid overpowering the dish. Add chocolate at the beginning for best melding. Chili tastes even better the next day. For thicker chili, cook uncovered on high for 30-60 minutes or mash some beans against the side of the slow cooker.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, beef chili, dark chocolate chili, cinnamon chili, winter comfort food, game day chili, easy chili recipe

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/cozy-slow-cooker-beef-chili-with-dark-chocolate-and-cinnamon/