Best Things In Life (Beer, Chocolate, Coffee, Porkc

Name: Best Things In Life (Beer, Chocolate, Coffee, Porkchops) Chili.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: The Meat; 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa; 3 heavy pinches kosher salt; 2 pounds pork chops cut into approximately 1 x 1 inch cubes; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large yellow onion finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves finely diced; 1 bottle porter style beer, nothing too hoppy, I used Great Lakes Porter.; The Liquid; 1 28 oz. can good quality crushed tomatoes in their own juice, with the liquid; 1 16 oz. jar good quality salsa, I like Green Mountain brand; 1 15 oz. can black beans, with liquid; 1 15 oz. can red kidney beans, with liquid; 1 15 oz. can pink beans, with liquid; 2 cups good quality beef stock; 1 cup strong brewed coffee; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 green bell pepper; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, though if you have bittersweet that will work too; 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder; 3 cloves garlic finely diced; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 3/4 cup finely crushed tortilla chips, they will resemble rougher bread crumbs

Warm up with this hearty Best Things In Life (Beer, Chocolate, Coffee, Porkchops) Chili. recipe. Made with ancho chili powder, chili powder, ground blac…

This Best Things In Life (Beer, Chocolate, Coffee, Porkchops) Chili. relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as the meat, ancho chili powder, chili powder and ground black pepper. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 1062 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It works as a light main on its own or as a starter alongside crusty bread, and it's just as good for a cozy night in as it is for feeding a crowd. Leftovers keep well, so it's a smart choice for meal prep too.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Soups & Stews

Servings: persons

The Meat
1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
3 heavy pinches kosher salt
2 pounds pork chops cut into approximately 1 x 1 inch cubes
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion finely chopped
4 garlic cloves finely diced
1 bottle porter style beer, nothing too hoppy, I used Great Lakes Porter.
The Liquid
1 28 oz. can good quality crushed tomatoes in their own juice, with the liquid
1 16 oz. jar good quality salsa, I like Green Mountain brand
1 15 oz. can black beans, with liquid
1 15 oz. can red kidney beans, with liquid
1 15 oz. can pink beans, with liquid
2 cups good quality beef stock
1 cup strong brewed coffee
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 green bell pepper
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, though if you have bittersweet that will work too
1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
3 cloves garlic finely diced
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3/4 cup finely crushed tortilla chips, they will resemble rougher bread crumbs

1
Turn crock-pot on and set at highest setting.
2
Combine first seven ingredients in a large bowl and mix until the mixture is a uniform color.
3
Combine pork with spices in bowl and with your hands mix until the pork is coated. Set aside.
4
Heat large saute pan on medium high and add oil and butter. When butter is melted add onion and cook until the onions are translucent and slightly brown, about 15 minutes. Add garlic and cook and additional 2 minutes.
5
Add pork mixture to the pan and cook until the outside mixture looks, but doesn't smell, like its burnt, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen may get smoky during this step, my apologies in advance but it'll be worth it.
6
Add meat mixture to crock pot.
7
De-glaze the pan with the beer and add this liquid to the meat. Cook this in the crock pot for approximately 1 hour with cover on.
8
Add tomatoes, salsa, beans, stock, coffee, and soy sauce to the pork mixture and cook for another hour with cover on. It'll look like a lot of liquid but it'll cook down.
9
In the mean time, roast the bell pepper on your stove top until it is charred on all sides. Place the pepper in a plastic bag with a zip top and let it steam. Set aside.
10
When the hour has gone by, de-skin and de-seed the now roasted pepper, and finely chop it. Add this and the chocolate to the pork mixture in the crock pot.
11
Cover and let this mixture cook as long as you can, I usually do around 8 hours.
12
About an hour before you want to serve it, reduce the setting on the crock-pot to medium. Add the additional chili powder, garlic, butter and tortilla chips and stir to combine. Place top back on and let cook. Stir every 15-20 minutes to alleviate sticking on the bottom, though if it does stick, use a spoon to scrape. It shouldn't be burned since it was on the medium setting, which has been my case in the past.
13
Serve as is or garnish with sour cream, cheese and diced avocados.

1062

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 29 ingredients. The key ingredients include: The Meat, 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, and more.

Yes, Best Things In Life (Beer, Chocolate, Coffee, Porkchops) Chili. falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Quick Info

Servings
4 servings
Calories
1062 kcal
Category
Soups & Stews

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