
Chili con carne with beans and dark chocolate
Chili con carne is one of the most popular international stews on Norwegian dinner tables, beloved for its deep flavors and simple preparation. With a small piece of dark chocolate and warming spices, this everyday favorite gets an extra layer of depth. It is perfect when you want a satisfying, comforting, and fuss-free dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
In short
A flavorful Tex-Mex classic with minced meat, beans, and a secret ingredient that adds extra richness. Ready in 45 minutes and perfect for both busy weeknights and weekend dinners.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or lean minced beef400 g
- Yellow onion1 pc
- Garlic cloves2 pcs
- Red bell pepper1 pc
- Red chili0.5 pc
- Canned chopped tomatoes1 can
- Kidney beans1 can
- Tomato paste2 tbsp
- Beef broth (prepared)2 dl
- Ground cumin1 tsp
- Paprika powder1 tsp
- Dark chocolate (min. 70%)20 g
- Neutral cooking oil for frying1 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepperto taste
Instructions
- 1
Finely chop the onion, garlic, and red chili (remove the seeds if you want a milder dish). Dice the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
Heat a little oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the minced meat until it has good color, breaking it up into pieces.
- 3
Add the onion, garlic, chili, and bell pepper to the pot along with the cumin and paprika powder. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the onion is soft.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1 minute. Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil and let the chili simmer covered for about 20 minutes.
- 5
Rinse the kidney beans in cold water and add them to the pot along with the dark chocolate. Let the chili simmer gently for 5 minutes until the beans are heated through and the chocolate has melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.
Questions and answers
Can chili con carne be frozen?
Yes, the dish freezes well and will keep nicely in the freezer for up to three months.
What are the best side dishes for chili con carne?
The dish tastes fantastic served with boiled rice, tortilla chips, sour cream, grated cheese, and fresh coriander.
How do I make a vegetarian version?
You can easily replace the minced meat with extra beans, cooked lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative.
How long does Chili con carne with beans and dark chocolate take?
About 45 minutes in total: 15 minutes prep and 30 minutes cooking.
How many servings does it make?
The recipe serves 4.
What ingredients do I need?
You need 14 ingredients: Ground beef or lean minced beef, Yellow onion, Garlic cloves, Red bell pepper, Red chili, Canned chopped tomatoes …. With Veloop you can add them all to your shopping list.


