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Loaded Crockpot Chili Recipe with Beer and Dark Chocolate

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A hearty and flavorful crockpot chili enhanced with malty beer and bittersweet dark chocolate for a smoky, rich depth. Perfect for cozy gatherings and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 oz (800 g) canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 12 oz (355 ml) malty amber or brown ale beer
  • 1 oz (28 g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded sharp cheddar, sour cream, sliced green onions, diced jalapeños, crispy tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired but leave some for flavor.
  2. In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Transfer the browned beef and sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the crockpot.
  4. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the rinsed kidney beans to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Pour in the beer and stir.
  6. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
  7. Add the chopped dark chocolate last and stir into the chili to melt slowly.
  8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours to allow flavors to marry and deepen.
  9. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Serve hot with optional toppings such as shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, and tortilla chips.

Notes

Browning the beef and onions first enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction. Adjust seasoning near the end to avoid over-salting. For thicker chili, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour. Substitute beans or use gluten-free beer or broth for dietary needs. Optional toppings add customization. A splash of apple cider vinegar or pinch of sugar can brighten flavors if chili tastes flat.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, slow cooker chili, chili with beer, chili with dark chocolate, loaded chili, easy chili recipe, hearty chili, game day chili

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/loaded-crockpot-chili-recipe-with-beer-and-dark-chocolate-easy-and-flavorful/