Coffee Chili Recipe: Hearty Beans and Beef

Coffee chili recipe fans know coffee adds deep, savory richness to a hearty bowl. This method simmers the beans in strong coffee for flavor in every bite. Coffee lifts the spice and rounds out the beef and beans. Plan ahead, since the beans soak and the chili slow-cooks.

The extra time pays off in real depth of flavor. Serve the chili on its own or over baked polenta. Coffee and chili both reward slow, patient cooking. A cold day makes the bowl even better.

Coffee Chili Recipe at a Glance

The recipe feeds six and reheats well all week. Here is the full recipe at a glance before you start.

A strong dark roast gives the boldest coffee flavor. Leftovers freeze well for up to three months. Browse our premium whole bean coffee to start.

Ingredients of coffee chili recipe

• 1 lb dried kidney beans
• 2 quarts strong brewed coffee
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 lbs 80% lean ground beef
• 3 medium yellow onions, chopped
• 3 green bell peppers, chopped
• 3 to 4 fresh jalapeno peppers, chopped
• ¼ cup chili powder
• ½ cup chopped fresh oregano
• ¼ cup ground cumin
• Two 28 oz cans chopped or crushed tomatoes
• Salt to taste

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped onion
• Sliced scallion
• Grated bitter chocolate

How to Make This Coffee Chili Recipe

Simmer the beans in coffee first, then build the chili. The long cook blends every flavor.

1. Fill a large pot with water and add the dried kidney beans.
2. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and soak the beans for 30 minutes.
4. Drain the beans and rinse under cold water.
5. Return the beans to the pot with the coffee and cinnamon.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
7. Simmer over low heat until the beans cook but stay firm, about 1 to 1½ hours.

1. Saute the onions and green peppers in olive oil until soft and translucent.
2. Add the ground beef and stir to mix with the vegetables.
3. Before the beef fully browns, add the jalapenos, chili powder, oregano, salt, and cumin.
4. Cook and stir until the beef browns through.

1. Spoon the beef mixture into a large slow cooker.
2. Add the cooked beans with the coffee and all.
3. Stir in the two cans of tomatoes.
4. Cook on high for 2 hours.
5. Reduce the heat and cook at least one more hour to blend the flavors.
6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips and FAQ about Coffee Chili Recipe

Brew the coffee double strength so the flavor carries through hours of cooking. Skim any foam off the beans as they simmer. Make the chili a day ahead, since the flavor deepens overnight. Toast the cumin and chili powder briefly for deeper aroma. A splash of the bean coffee loosens a thick pot. Let the chili rest ten minutes before serving. For more savory ideas, see our coffee-cured meat recipes.

Coffee deepens the savory, spicy notes in chili. The roast balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and beans. A strong dark roast gives the boldest result. Bitter chocolate on top echoes the roast. Grind fresh premium coffee for the cleanest flavor.

Brew a strong, fresh dark roast at about double strength. The bold flavor holds through hours of cooking. See our roast levels guide to pick one.

Dried beans soak up the coffee best over a slow simmer. Canned beans work in a pinch, added later with the tomatoes. Rinse canned beans well before use. The slow simmer is where the flavor builds.

Three to four jalapenos give a medium heat. Remove the seeds for a milder bowl. Stir in more chili powder for extra kick. Serve hot sauce on the side for guests.

Sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped onion are classics. A little grated bitter chocolate deepens the coffee note. Diced avocado and lime add a fresh finish. Pair the bowl with our coffee and breakfast pairing ideas for brunch.

Fresh Coffee to Cook With

Cook with coffee worth tasting. Browse our premium whole bean coffee, roasted fresh and shipped within 1 to 2 business days.

Subscribe with the Blackout Coffee Club and save 19% on every order. Feeding a crowd? Our bulk coffee keeps the pot full.

Craving something sweet next? See our coffee and dessert pairing guide and our baking with coffee recipes.

Short on time? Our coffee pods brew a quick, strong batch for the beans.

Learn how we source and roast on our About Blackout Coffee page.

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