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Pinto Bean Chili with a Chocolate Twist

Pinto Bean Chili with a Chocolate Twist


  • Author: OliviaBennett

Description

This isn’t your average chili—it’s your new signature dish. Rich ground beef, hearty beans, caramelized vegetables, and a whisper of dark chocolate ice cream melt into one unforgettable, deeply satisfying bowl. Game day, snow day, or Tuesday—you need this in your life.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 red onions, diced

  • 2 red + 2 orange bell peppers, diced

  • 8 garlic cloves, minced

  • 3 lbs ground beef (80/20)

  • 6 tbsp tomato paste

  • 6 tbsp chili powder

  • 2 tbsp cumin

  • 4 tsp smoked paprika

  • 2 tbsp oregano

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

  • ½ tsp grated nutmeg

  • 2 tsp kosher salt

  • 2 tsp black pepper

  • 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes

  • 2 (14 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes

  • 4 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained & rinsed

  • 1½ cups dark chocolate ice cream (or 3 oz dark chocolate + ¼ cup cream)


Instructions

  • Sauté Veggies: Heat oil in large pot. Add onions & peppers; sauté 8–10 mins.

  • Brown Beef: Add beef, garlic, salt, pepper. Cook until browned, 7–8 mins.

  • Spice Bloom: Stir in tomato paste & all spices. Cook 2–3 mins until fragrant.

  • Add Tomatoes & Beans: Pour in all tomatoes & beans. Stir well, scraping pot bottom.

  • Simmer: Reduce heat, simmer uncovered 30 mins, stirring occasionally.

  • Chocolate Finale: Off heat, stir in ice cream (or chocolate + cream) until melted. Return to low heat, simmer 10 more mins.

Notes

  • No ice cream? Use 3 oz dark chocolate + ¼ cup cream.

  • Meat-free? Sub lentils + mushrooms + veggie broth.

  • Make ahead: Even better the next day! Freezes like a dream.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 480 cal Per Serving
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 34g