The Paula Deen Chocolate Chili Recipe is rich, spicy and slightly sweet. It’s a unique twist on classic chili. Many people ask How to make Paula Deen Chocolate Chili at home using simple ingredients.
This recipe combines ground beef, beans, spices and a touch of chocolate for a deep, comforting flavor. You will also get all the Ingredients for Paula Deen Chocolate Chili and step-by-step instructions. This chili is hearty, filling and perfect for family dinners or game-day meals.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried this chocolate chili on a cool evening. The aroma of simmering beef, onions, and spices filled the kitchen.
When I added the chocolate, the flavor became rich and complex without being too sweet. The chili was thick, hearty and very satisfying. I served it with warm cornbread, and everyone loved it.
The combination of chocolate and chili surprised my family at first, but it became an instant favorite. This recipe is now my go-to for special dinners or cozy nights.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Chocolate Chili
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Southern / American
- Calories: 390 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Ladle
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Chocolate Chili
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate or dark chocolate
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions for topping
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Brown the Beef
In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Stir occasionally to break up clumps. Drain excess fat.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Add Beans and Tomatoes
Stir in kidney beans, black beans and diced tomatoes with juice. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Add Spices
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly so spices coat all ingredients.
5. Simmer the Chili
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow flavors to blend and chili to thicken.
6. Add Chocolate
Stir in unsweetened chocolate until melted and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Chocolate adds richness and depth.
7. Serve
Ladle chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream and green onions if desired. Serve hot with cornbread or tortilla chips.
Tips to Make the Best Paula Deen Chocolate Chili
- Use unsweetened chocolate for authentic flavor
- Simmer chili slowly for maximum flavor
- Taste before serving and adjust salt or spices
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking
- Serve with toppings for added texture and flavor
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chocolate, which can burn and taste bitter
- Skipping the simmering step, which develops flavors
- Not draining excess fat from beef
- Adding too much liquid too soon, making chili thin
- Using sweetened chocolate, which can overpower the chili
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chocolate chili hot with cornbread, tortilla chips or a side of rice. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement it well. Perfect for cozy nights or game-day meals.
Variations You Can Try
- Add ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version
- Include diced bell peppers for extra flavor and color
- Spice it up with cayenne or hot sauce
- Use different beans like pinto or cannellini
- Top with avocado slices or pickled jalapeños
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until hot
- Stir occasionally to maintain thickness
- Freeze in portions for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
Health Benefits
This chili is high in protein from beef and beans and packed with fiber from beans.
It provides iron, antioxidants from tomatoes and vitamins from garlic and spices. The small amount of chocolate adds flavor without too many extra calories.
Paula Deen Chocolate Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate or dark chocolate
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese sour cream, chopped green onions for topping
Instructions
Brown the Beef
- In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Stir occasionally to break up clumps. Drain excess fat.
Cook Onion and Garlic
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
Add Beans and Tomatoes
- Stir in kidney beans, black beans and diced tomatoes with juice. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Add Spices
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly so spices coat all ingredients.
Simmer the Chili
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow flavors to blend and chili to thicken.
Add Chocolate
- Stir in unsweetened chocolate until melted and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Chocolate adds richness and depth.
Serve
- Ladle chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream and green onions if desired. Serve hot with cornbread or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Use unsweetened chocolate for authentic flavor
- Simmer chili slowly for maximum flavor
- Taste before serving and adjust salt or spices
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking
- Serve with toppings for added texture and flavor
FAQs about Paula Deen Chocolate Chili Recipe
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, replace beef with extra beans or lentils. Use vegetable broth if needed.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Dark or unsweetened chocolate works best. Milk chocolate can make it too sweet.
Is this chili spicy?
It is mildly spicy. You can increase chili powder or add cayenne for more heat.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can I freeze Paula Deen chocolate chili?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
The Paula Deen Chocolate Chili Recipe is rich, flavorful and unique. Learning How to make Paula Deen Chocolate Chili is simple with these step-by-step instructions.
With ground beef, beans, spices and a touch of chocolate, this chili becomes a family favorite.
Follow this recipe for a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for dinners or entertaining guests. The combination of savory and sweet makes it a special, unforgettable dish.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!