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Chili Cook-Off Winner Crockpot Chili

Chili Cook-Off Winner Crockpot Chili with Chocolate Magic

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Chili Cook-Off Winner Crockpot Chili, combining rich flavors and a touch of chocolate!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Chili Base
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey if desired.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can substitute with canola oil.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow or white onion preferred.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Diced tomatoes can be used for a chunkier texture.
  • 15 oz Tomato Sauce Extra crushed tomatoes can replace this.
  • 15 oz Black Beans Pinto or kidney beans can be used instead.
  • 15 oz Kidney Beans Any beans will work.
  • 1 cup Sweet Corn Frozen or canned corn works.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
Spices and Sweetness
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust based on heat preference.
  • 1 tbsp Cumin Omit if unavailable.
  • 1 tbsp Paprika Smoked paprika can deepen flavor.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar Maple syrup can substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Melt dark chocolate for more richness.

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for 1 minute.
  3. Drain excess fat and transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, sweet corn, and beef broth.
  5. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and cocoa powder, stirring well.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  7. After cooking, stir and adjust seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or chocolate as needed.
  8. Serve in bowls with desired toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Chocolate adds depth without sweetness; ensure ingredient layering for even cooking.

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