Chili with Chorizo and Chocolate

5.0
(3)
3 Reviews
2 Photos

The smokiness of the bacon and liquid smoke complements the spiciness of the chorizo and sweetness of the chocolate in this chili. Just like any other chili, this is better the next day. Serve with a dollop of cilantro sour cream or some chocolate shavings.

Submitted by Caroline McNabb
Updated on February 10, 2025
2
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
2 hrs 20 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 50 mins
Servings:
20
Yield:
12 quarts
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 20 servings

  • 1 pound hickory-smoked bacon, chopped

  • 2 pounds chorizo sausage, chopped

  • 3 pounds ground sirloin

  • 2 (29 ounce) cans tomato sauce

  • 2 (28 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes

  • 2 medium onions, diced

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ cup chili powder

  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin

  • 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring

  • 3 teaspoons garlic juice

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 4 (15.25 ounce) cans kidney beans, undrained

  • 2 (15.25 ounce) cans black beans, undrained

  • 4 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped

  • 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

Directions

  1. Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook and stir bacon in the hot pot until browned and slightly crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain grease and set bacon aside.

  2. Reduce heat to medium and add chorizo to the stockpot; cook and stir until slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Drain grease and set chorizo aside.

  3. Cook and stir ground sirloin in the same pot over medium-high heat until browned, crumbly, and no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain grease. Add bacon and chorizo. Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, onions, and Italian seasoning. Stir in chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, liquid smoke, garlic juice, and cinnamon.

  4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer and add kidney beans, black beans, jalapeños, and chocolate. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well blended, about 2 hours.

Cook's Notes:

This recipe was tweaked from another recipe on this site and has taken four 1st place prizes in chili cook-offs. The sweetness and spice make people wonder what is different, setting you apart from the rest.

You can use Great Northern beans instead of black beans.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

486 Calories
26g Fat
34g Carbs
31g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 20
Calories 486
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26g 33%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 90mg 30%
Sodium 1511mg 66%
Total Carbohydrate 34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 12g 44%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 31g 63%
Vitamin C 17mg 19%
Calcium 112mg 9%
Iron 8mg 42%
Potassium 814mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.