I have made chili many times, and I know how it tastes with regular seasoning. It is good. But I just did an experiment with cocoa powder and cinnamon. And made the easy chili with cocoa powder and cinnamon recipe.
But, surprised? Why did I add cocoa powder or even cinnamon to a spicy meat dish?
Well, these ingredients didn’t make it like a sweet dessert. Instead, I made this chili more complex. I gave it depth and balanced out the acidity from tomatoes and the spiciness from peppers.
In this post, I will show you how you can make this unique, rich-flavored chili with cocoa powder and cinnamon.
Plus, I will also tell you what you can serve with it for a better experience, what ingredient swaps you can try, and how you can customize it if you want to go vegan or low-carb.
Also read: White Chocolate Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Why Add Cocoa Powder and Cinnamon to Chili?
It’s not a new thing to add chocolate or sweet spices to a savory recipe.
I have seen this in many traditional Mexican cooking, where mole sauces use dark chocolate or unsweetened cocoa with savory spices.
However, I tried the same thing with chili — cocoa powder and cinnamon — and I liked the result. I got a rich and deeply satisfying recipe, and here is how it works.
- Cocoa powder doesn’t make it sweet. Instead, it gives an earthy, smoky richness.
- Cinnamon adds a warm back note without standing out too much.
- Together, they help balance the heat of the chili and the acidity of the tomatoes.
So, if you’re bored with your same old chili, you can try this version once. You’ll see and taste what I just made.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Unique Chili
Here are all the ingredients that you need for this chili recipe with cocoa powder and cinnamon.
Very high chance they’d be already in your pantry items. If not, I’m also giving you some ingredients substitutes.
The Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the veggies
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, or if you are vegan, then use plant-based mince)
The Spices
- 2 tbsp chili powder: That’s going to be the main spice base
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: It will add a warm undertone.
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: this will give the earthy depth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of cayenne: It is optional, but you can use it if you like heat, I do personally.
The Body
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans: drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans: drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or veg broth if vegetarian)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup: It’s just to balance if it is too acidic
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice: You will use it for brightness
- 1/2 cup corn: if you like a sweet pop, go with that.
Also read: White Chocolate Alfredo Recipe
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chili with Cocoa Powder and Cinnamon
This is a one-pot chili recipe and too easy to make and follow; plus, it will be ready in under an hour. Here’s exactly what you’ll do:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Firstly, you want to heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Then, add chopped onion and cook until it gets soft and translucent (it will take about 4-5 minutes).
After that, you want to add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until you start noticing fragrance.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add your ground beef (it can be turkey or a plant-based alternative) and cook until it gets browned.
And then he starts breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Btw if you want to reduce the number of calories, you can drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add Spices
Once meat is browned, you wanna stir in:
- Chili powder
- Cumin, paprika
- Cocoa powder
- Cinnamon,
- Salt
- Pepper and cayenne (if using)
Cook these spices for about a minute; it’s an important step to enhance flavors. If you’re doing everything correctly, your kitchen will start smelling amazing.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Beans
Now, you want to use these ingredients:
- Pour in diced tomatoes,
- Tomato sauce,
- Kidney beans,
- Black beans and broth.
Then, stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
You want to reduce heat to low and then cover it partially with a lid, and let it simmer for around 30–40 minutes, but make sure you’re stirring it in between.
This step is really important to deepen flavors. If the chili gets too thick, you can add more water.
Step 6: Adjust Flavors
Lastly, taste your chili, and then add brown sugar or maple syrup if it is too acidic.
You can also add vinegar or lime juice for balance.
Add salt or spice if needed.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Finally, everything is done.
You want to spoon into bowls and serve hot.
You can also top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado slices, or tortilla chips, whatever you love or wish to have.
Also read: Sugar Free Hot Chocolate Recipe with Cocoa Powder
What to Serve with Cocoa-Cinnamon Chili
Now, here are some other things that you can serve with this easy chili with cocoa powder and cinnamon. And these are my recommendations; you can also try something you like.
- Cornbread: They’re sweet or spicy
- Garlic toast or crusty sourdough slices
- Soft dinner rolls if you want something to soak up the sauce
- Bread
Toppings
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
- Crushed tortilla chips for crunch
Side Ideas
- Simple salad with vinaigrette to cut richness
- Grilled corn on the cob or corn salad
- Rice or quinoa: You should serve the chili over it like a bowl meal
Ingredient Substitutes & Customizations
There are many ways that I recommend you to tweak this recipe depending on your pantry, diet, or taste. Here are a few:
Meat Swaps:
- Ground turkey or chicken: This is good if you want a lighter version
- Lentils or mushrooms: Great plant-based alternatives; consider using them if you’re vegan.
Cocoa Powder:
- If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use 1–2 small squares of dark chocolate (70%) melted in with the chili.
Cinnamon:
- You can’t skip it, but if it is not available, then you can try allspice or nutmeg in a small amount (just about a pinch)
Beans:
- Consider using any combination like the pinto, black, kidney, or chickpeas. You just want to make sure they’re rinsed.
Broth:
- Beef broth will give it the best meaty flavor, but you can also use chicken, vegetable, or even bone broth.
Low-Carb Version:
- You should skip the beans and corn and add more meat and diced veggies like zucchini or bell pepper.
Variations You Can Try
This base recipe can be easily tweaked to match different moods or seasons.
This easy chili with cocoa powder and cinnamon recipe is highly customizable. So, depending on your mood, like what taste you want, you should consider trying these variations.
Smoky Chipotle Chili
You just have to chop one or two Chipotle peppers in adobo; if you want a smoky hit, this will work fine with the cocoa and cinnamon chili recipe.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili (Vegetarian)
You should skip meat, and Instead of that, you can add roasted sweet potatoes with black beans and corn.
Slow Cooker Version
Just sauté aromatics and meat; you’ve to dump everything into a slow cooker and let it cook on low for around 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Iced Cold Version (Just Kidding)
Just like coffee and chocolate drinks, you shouldn’t try to ice this one.
I like chili because it is meant to be hot; however, if you want to try weird experiments, just do it.
Also read: Frozen Hot Chocolate with Swiss Miss Recipe
Pro Tips for the Best Chili with Cocoa Powder and Cinnamon
If it is the first time you are making this chili with cocoa powder and cinnamon, you wanna follow these tips for a better taste.
- Use unsweetened cocoa powder only: I recommend using brands like Hershey’s, Ghirardelli, or Guittard, or if you use any other, just make sure you’re using high-quality cocoa powder.
- Cinnamon should be subtle, not dominant, so make sure not to overdo it.
- Simmer longer if you have time: the more you simmer the recipe, the better it will taste.
- Taste and adjust at the end: Chili always needs a final flavor fix
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving: it will get thicker and eventually become more delicious; just try it yourself.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
This is just an estimated number for a hearty bowl (without toppings):
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Protein: 25–30g
- Fat: 15–20g
- Carbs: 25–30g
- Fiber: 8–10g
- Sugar: 5–6g
If you are on a weight loss goal or just want to reduce calories for any reason, then you should avoid toppings like cheese, cream, etc.
Plus, you should consider using lean ground meat or plant-based alternatives.
For more protein, you should increase the beans or meat ratio.
Conclusion
This is my bold and rich chili with cocoa powder and cinnamon recipe that I personally love making.
It’s not like the regular one that we make; it has different layers of flavors and cinnamon taste and cocoa powder powder’s depth.
You can serve it with bread, salad, rice bowl, etc., or try different things with it, like making it spicy, mild, thick, meaty, make it vegan, etc. You have all the controls.
So now go and make this recipe, and don’t forget to save or bookmark this post, especially if you like experimenting with different recipes. I shared many of them here.
Can I use chocolate instead of cocoa powder in chili?
Yes, you can use chocolate instead of using cocoa powder in chili.
You need to use 1 or 2 small pieces of dark chocolate and then melt it into your chili while they are simmering.
It will give the same deep richness as cocoa powder.
However, you also want to make sure it shouldn’t be sweet. Otherwise, it will be like dessert.
If you are okay with that sweet taste, go with it, but I personally like bold chili.
Does cinnamon make the chili sweet?
Not really; Cinnamon doesn’t make this chili with cocoa powder sweet.
They would just add one background flavor and balance the tomato’s acidity and cocoa powder’s bitterness.
I don’t think you will even notice cinnamon strongly. It will just make it taste better. However, make sure you do not overuse it.
Can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan or vegetarian and still get the same flavor.
You just want to escape the ground meat, and still, you should use things like lentils, chopped mushrooms, extra beans, or sweet potatoes.
Plus, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. If you do everything right, without getting meat, you will get the same easy chili with cocoa powder and cinnamon recipe.
Chili with Cocoa Powder and Cinnamon Recipe
Ingredients
The Base:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey or plant-based mince
The Spices:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika smoked or regular
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of cayenne optional
The Body:
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth or veggie broth
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup if too acidic
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice
- ½ cup corn optional
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Add ground beef (or alternative). Brown the meat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Spices
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir and cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Beans
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, both beans, and broth. Stir well.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Simmer uncovered or partially covered for 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Step 6: Adjust Flavors
- Taste and adjust salt, add sweetener if too acidic, and vinegar/lime for brightness.
Step 7: Serve Hot
- Spoon into bowls and serve hot. Add toppings like cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips if desired.
Notes
As a passionate home cook and food enthusiast, I’m specialize in recreating popular café and restaurant-style chocolate recipes at home. I have experience in testing and customizing various chocolate-based dishes, I focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make preservative-free, delicious treats. My goal is to help chocolate lovers enjoy their favorite recipes with a homemade touch and personalized twists.
