Instant Pot Slow-Cooked Ground Beef and Cocoa Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 2 mediumwhite or yellow onions
finely chopped
- 1 mediumgreen or red bell pepper
stemmed, seeded, and chopped
- 2 clovesgarlic
finely chopped
- 1 smalljalapeño
stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
- 1 lbground beef
- 3 tbspchili powder
- 2 tbspunsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tspsalt
plus extra as needed
- ¼ tspfreshly ground black pepper
plus extra as needed
- 1can diced tomatoes
drained
- 1 cstore-bought reduced-salt beef broth
or homemade beef broth
- finely grated zest and freshly squeezed juice of 2 medium limes
- 1can black beans
drained and rinsed
- crushed roasted peanuts
for garnish
Directions
- 1
Press Sauté and select the lowest temperature. Place the olive oil in the inner pot, wait about 1 minute for it to warm, then add the onions, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook with the lid off, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the beef and sauté until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the chili powder, cocoa powder, salt, pepper, tomatoes, broth, and lime zest and juices and stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits off the bottom.
- 3
Close and lock the lid. Set the valve to Venting. Attach the condensation collector. Press Cancel, then press Slow Cook and select the lowest temperature. Set the time to 5 hours.
- 4
When the cooking time is finished, press Cancel and remove the lid. Add the beans, stir to distribute evenly, and then close and lock the lid to allow the residual heat to warm the beans, about 5 minutes.
- 5
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts.
- 6
Chili will keep, in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 4 days.
Instant Pot Slow-Cooked Ground Beef and Cocoa Chili
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 8 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a deep, flavorful chili that feels like it slow-cooked all day but fits into your busy weeknight? This Instant Pot Slow-Cooked Ground Beef and Cocoa Chili brings hearty comfort to your table as an easy, one-pot meal.
Why This Chili Works
The concept of 'slow-cooking' is key to a truly rich chili, and this Instant Pot recipe is designed to deliver that depth of flavor. The inclusion of unsweetened cocoa powder is a classic, yet often surprising, secret ingredient; it doesn't make the chili sweet, but rather enhances the savory notes and deepens the overall complexity, creating a rich backdrop for the ground beef and spices.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly satisfying bowl of chili, bursting with robust flavors and a remarkably comforting depth. You'll savor the tender ground beef, nestled amongst hearty black beans and diced tomatoes, all simmered in a rich, spiced broth. The subtle warmth from the jalapeño and the earthy depth from the chili powder are beautifully balanced by the unique, dark chocolatey undertones of the unsweetened cocoa, creating a complex and incredibly comforting experience perfect for a cold winter evening or a Super Bowl gathering. It's a rich, savory, and well-rounded main course that embodies the best of American chili.
Customization & Variations
While this chili is a triumph on its own, its robust nature makes it incredibly adaptable to your pantry and preferences.
- For an extra kick, you could easily add a pinch more finely chopped jalapeño.
- If white or yellow onions aren't on hand, a sweet onion would work in a pinch.
- Don't have a green bell pepper? A red one will provide similar freshness and texture.
- And while the crushed roasted peanuts offer a delightful crunch, feel free to swap them for shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro for different textural and flavor experiences.
This hearty chili is an ideal main course for family dinners, game day feasts, or a cozy lunch. Serve it in big bowls, garnished with crushed roasted peanuts for a delightful textural contrast, or with your favorite chili toppings.