Heidi's Signature Chocolate-Infused Chili
Heidi's Signature Chocolate-Infused Chili is a comforting and hearty dish that has delighted family and friends for over 14 years. This award-winning chili is renowned for its rich flavors and unique touch of unsweetened chocolate, giving it an unexpected depth that perfectly complements the vibrant tomatoes. Ideal for those chilly fall and winter nights, it's a surefire crowd-pleaser, whether enjoyed at home or shared at a community gathering. While flexible to your taste preferences, this recipe maintains its delicious essence with every tweak, making it an all-time favorite. Serve it with fluffy cornbread muffins or top with cheese and sour cream for the ultimate experience.
N/A
Servings
320
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (none)
medium onion
1 (diced)
diced tomatoes
2 (28 ounce) cans (no draining)
hot chili beans
2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans (use juice)
diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (12 ounce) can (no draining)
unsweetened chocolate squares
2 (1 ounce) (none)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (none)
small onion
1 (none)
macaroni noodles
1/2 lb (optional)
water
1 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil or water over medium heat.
2
Add the ground beef and diced medium onion to the skillet, cooking and stirring until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
3
Stir in the chili powder for a few moments, allowing it to toast and release its aroma.
4
Add the can of diced tomatoes and chilies, stirring to combine. Let it cook for several minutes to meld the flavors.
5
Incorporate the chili beans into the mixture, making sure to include the juice from the cans. If using noodles, rinse the bean cans with 1/2 cup of water per can and add this to the pot.
6
Once heated through, mix in the two large cans of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7
Add the unsweetened chocolate squares, stirring until they dissolve completely into the chili, enhancing the tomato sauce's richness.
8
If including macaroni noodles, add them once the chili is near boiling and simmer until the noodles are cooked to your liking.
9
Taste the chili and adjust by adding more chili powder or salt as needed for your preferred spice level.
10
Remove from heat and allow the chili to rest for 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors deepen further.
11
Before serving, stir the chili once more. The final consistency should be thick and luscious, not overly runny.
12
Serve warm, ideally with cornbread muffins, grated Mexican or mild cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and oyster crackers on the side.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
20g
Carbs
16g
Protein
5g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heidi's Signature Chocolate-Infused Chili?
It is a comforting, award-winning hearty chili recipe that has been a favorite for over 14 years, known for its rich flavors and unique use of unsweetened chocolate.
What makes this chili recipe unique?
The unique touch in this recipe is the addition of unsweetened chocolate squares, which provide an unexpected depth that complements the tomato base.
How long has this recipe been in the family?
This recipe has delighted family and friends for more than 14 years.
Is this an award-winning recipe?
Yes, this is an award-winning chili recipe.
What type of chocolate should I use?
The recipe calls for two 1-ounce squares of unsweetened chocolate.
Does the chili taste like a dessert because of the chocolate?
No, the unsweetened chocolate is used to enhance the richness and depth of the tomato sauce rather than making it sweet.
How many calories are in a serving of this chili?
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 16 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this chili?
Each serving contains 16 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this recipe provide?
This chili provides 5 grams of fiber per serving.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifies not to drain the two 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes or the can of tomatoes and green chilies.
Should I use the liquid from the chili beans?
Yes, you should use the juice from the two 15 1/2 ounce cans of hot chili beans.
Can I add noodles to this chili?
Yes, adding 1/2 lb of macaroni noodles is an optional variation mentioned in the recipe.
When should I add the macaroni noodles if I choose to use them?
Add the macaroni noodles once the chili is near boiling and simmer until they are cooked to your preference.
What is the first step in preparing the beef?
Heat oil or water in a large skillet or Dutch oven and brown the ground beef with a diced medium onion.
Why should I toast the chili powder?
Toasting the chili powder for a few moments after browning the meat allows it to release its full aroma.
What are the suggested toppings for this chili?
Recommended toppings include grated Mexican or mild cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and oyster crackers.
What is the best side dish for this chili?
This chili is ideally served with fluffy cornbread muffins.
How long should the chili rest before serving?
Allow the chili to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from heat to let the flavors deepen.
What is the desired final consistency of the chili?
The final consistency should be thick and luscious, not overly runny.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can taste the chili and adjust by adding more chili powder or salt to reach your preferred spice level.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is tagged as a kid-friendly recipe.
When is the best time of year to serve this?
It is described as an ideal meal for chilly fall and winter nights.
How much chili powder does the recipe require?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of chili powder, with more added to taste if desired.
What kind of beans are used?
The recipe uses two 15 1/2 ounce cans of hot chili beans.
What size of onion is needed for the base?
One medium diced onion is used for the base with the beef, and one small onion is also listed in the ingredients.
How much water should I add?
You can use 1 cup of water total, specifically 1/2 cup to rinse each bean can if you are including noodles.
Is this chili good for large gatherings?
Yes, it is noted as a surefire crowd-pleaser for community gatherings.