Chocolate Chili with Apples

Indulge in the bold and unexpected flavors of Chocolate Chili with Apples, a hearty and delicious twist on classic chili that combines savory, sweet, and spicy in perfect harmony. This recipe layers tender ground beef or turkey with vibrant red bell peppers, sweet diced apples, and rich spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. The real magic happens with the addition of cocoa powder and a touch of melted dark chocolate, creating a depth of flavor that's both comforting and unique. Hearty black beans and a splash of broth bring it all together, while fresh cilantro or parsley adds a burst of freshness to every bite. Ready in under an hour, this one-pot meal is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a savory-sweet balance that's sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1 medium, peeled and diced apple
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces, drained and rinsed canned black beans
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 ounce, chopped dark chocolate
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish) cilantro or parsley

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Add the diced red bell pepper and apple to the pot. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 6

Mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cocoa powder. Stir well to coat the ingredients in the spices.

Step 7

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, and broth. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

After 30 minutes, uncover the pot and stir in the chopped dark chocolate. Allow it to melt and blend into the chili.

Step 10

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2049.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2611.1

Total Fat 145.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 50.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.1g
Cholesterol 373.1mg	0%
Sodium 5869.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 203.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 72.1g	0%
Total Sugars 58.9g
Protein 127.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 547.4mg	0%
Iron 36.4mg	0%
Potassium 5197.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.7%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 30.8%