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    Home » Soups & Stews » Mexican Chocolate Chili and Casa Mia

    Mexican Chocolate Chili and Casa Mia

    Jan 11, 2014 · by Valentina · 28 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This Mexican Chocolate Chili was inspired from a dish from what was my favorite Mexican restaurant of all time, Casa Mia in Santa Monica Canyon, CA. While the restaurant is gone, the memory of their incredibly delicious Colorado chili lives on. This is extremely similar, though my version is a Mexican chocolate chili recipe. Chocolate Chipotle Chili in a ceramic golden bowl with cheese and cilantro on top.

    Mexican Chocolate Chili Inspiration

    Growing up, on Tuesday nights my dad would go on his weekly Sierra Club hike, I would go to gymnastics practice, and my mom and brother would go to one of the best Mexican restaurants of all time -- Casa Mia in Santa Monica Canyon, CA.

    We all went together at least once a week also.

    The Scene at Casa Mia

    Casa Mia was a dive and seconds from the ocean. The restaurant was very small and dark. With burgundy vinyl booths, each table had an old school, round red candle holder covered with a white "net."

    Just across from the tiny, full bar, stood the most awesome old jukebox ever, that played oldie after oldie. And from just about every table you could see the owner/cook, Joanne Livas, putting orders on the kitchen window shelf.

    the front of Casa Mia Restaurant in Santa Monica CanyonThe front of the restaurant on Channel Road, Santa Monica Canyon, CA.

    The Menu at Casa Mia

    My order: Two A la Cart Beef Tacos. They'd arrive sitting on white paper in a bright red plastic basket, and were unbelievably greasy -- so greasy that they were actually dripping. That, in conjunction with the perfectly spiced beef and fresh, crisp lettuce was amazing! (I can remember exactly what each delicious, bite tasted like.)

    My dad's order: The tostada, which was pretty much the tacos, only in bowl form.

    My brother's order: The rich and cheesy Enchilada Suizas, which came on a plate that was always too hot to touch.

    And my mom's order: The Colorado Chili Burrito, which I always had a bite of. The delicious, greasy tacos kept me from making it my own order, but I'll never forget the fork-tender chunks of beef in a deeply flavored, spicy sauce that oozed out of a warm flour tortilla. My Mexican Chocolate Chili is very reminiscent of this dish.

    Colorado chili in a bowl with fresh cilantro leaves

    And no, Colorado Chili has nothing to do with the sate of Colorado.

    Colorado means red in Spanish and is used in the name to describe the sauce, which is typically made with a variety of red chiles.

    What's in Mexican Chocolate Chili?

    • chipotle chiles
    • bacon
    • onion
    • garlic
    • stew meat
    • Mexican oregano, cumin, chili powder and cloves
    • red wine
    • kidney and black beans
    • chocolate

    Onions and bacon sauteeing in a Dutch Oven.

    I can almost guarantee Casa Mia did not make their chili with chocolate, but I couldn't help myself. It's adds richness and makes the sauce extra smooth.

    My brother and I would both say this restaurant was a wonderful part of our childhood. Thank you, Casa Mia, for the memories.

    Casa Mia in Santa Monica Canyon was bought from it's original owner, Charley Lowery, by the Livas family (Poncho, Joanne and Chris), in 1961.  And sadly, the doors closed in 1988 when the building was sold and the new landlord raised the rent to an unaffordable amount.  The recipes were a blend of those from Lowery and the Livas family. If you want to get a feeling for the awesome vibe of Casa Mia, you can check out the Casa Mia, I Remember Facebook page -- which was created by Chris Livas, who has kept the history and memories of Casa Mia alive.

    the back of Casa Mia in Santa Monica Canyon

    Share Your Casa Mia Memories!

    I was only a teenager when Casa Mia closed, so my memories are minimal (outside of the Colorado Chili Burrito!) compared to those who knew the restaurant longer.  If you are one of those folks, and you're reading this, please chime in with your stories, in the comments below.

    Now get in the kitchen and start cooking this delicious Mexican chocolate chili recipe.

    Photos of the restaurant were taken from the Casa Mia, I Remember Facebook page.

    More Mexican (or Mexican-Style) recipes:

    • Ancho Chile Enchilada Sauce
    • Vegetarian Enchiladas
    • Puerco en Salsa Verde
    • Plantain Picadillo Empanadas
    • Mexican Black Beans From Scratch
    • Chopped Mexican Salad with Pepitas
    • Poblano Guacamole Recipe with Lemon
    Chocolate Chipotle Colorado Style Chili in a ceramic golden bowl with cheese and cilantro on top.

    Mexican Chocolate Chili

    Valentina K. Wein
    This chili is is rich, hearty and exploding with latin flavors.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 3 hrs 30 mins
    Total Time 4 hrs
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 to 6
    Calories 518 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 strips applewood smoked bacon, diced
    • 2 cups yellow onion, diced
    • 1½ tablespoons garlic, minced
    • 1½ pounds stew meat, cut into approx 1-inch pieces (i.e., Chuck Shoulder, Rump Roast)
    • 2 tablespoons Mexican oregano
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
    • ½ cup dry red wine, such as Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz
    • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes in tomato juice
    • 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
    • 1 (14-ounce) can Kidney beans, drained
    • 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained
    • 3 tablespoons semisweet chocolate, finely chopped or chips
    • salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • optional garnishes: sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, and cilantro leaves or chives

    Instructions
     

    • Cook bacon, onion and garlic. Add the diced bacon to a large pot (a Dutch oven is perfect), and place it over medium heat. Moving it around occasionally, cook the bacon until the pieces are becoming crisp, about 5 minutes.
      Stir in the onion and garlic and cook until the onions are soft and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. (You shouldn't need to add oil to the pan -- the bacon fat should be sufficient.)
      Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon-onion mixture and place it in a bowl. Set aside.
    • Sear the meat. Sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper, and turn the heat up to high. Add the meat to the pan. (You should hear a sizzling sound -- if you don't the pan isn't hot enough.) Sear the meat, browning it on all sides.
    • Return bacon mixture to pot and add spices. Return the bacon-onion mixture to the pot and add the oregano, cumin, chili powder and cloves -- continue to cook for another couple of minutes.
    • Deglaze. Deglaze the pot with the wine and tomatoes, and use a wooden spatula to scrape any bits of food off the bottom of the out and into the mixture.
    • Add chipotles and simmer. Stir in the chipotles, turn the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the pieces of meat are super tender -- almost (but not quite), falling apart, 2½ to 3 hours. Stir the chili from time to time.
    • Add beans and chocolate. Mix in all of the beans and the chocolate and cook on low for about 10 more minutes. Season to taste with salt.
    • Serve with any or all of the garnishes is desired.

    Notes

    Calorie count is only an estimate.
    Keywords best beef stew recipes, comfort food recipes for winter
    Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

    Cooking On The Weekends is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. sippitysup

      January 11, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      Terrific story. I love Los Angeles so much and places like that are such a big part of the allure. GREG

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 12, 2014 at 7:23 pm

        Thank you so much, Greg. Agreed. 🙂

        Reply
      • Howard Morton

        June 07, 2018 at 7:35 pm

        My dad passed away when I was 4 years old. On the night he died in 1950, my shell-shocked mother was taken out to get somehting to eat by her friends. I tagged along and we went to Casa Mia. I remember my mom crying and being given a taco, my very first, to eat. It was SO big!!! Thereafter, we went there for dinner at least once a week, but we didn't call it Casa Mia: it was "Hap's". Hap was Charlie's nickname. I literally grew at Hap's. Poncho would let us kids into the kitchen to "help" by grating cheese for enchiladas. Took girlfriends (and a wife) there. Casa Mia is such a part of my life, and it saddens me that some money-grubbing landlord succeeded in shutting it down after 40 years of great food and warm memories. God Bless Hap, Ponsho and Joanne, and everyone of the folks who made this outstanding little restaurant such a big part of a little boy's life.

        Reply
        • valentina

          June 09, 2018 at 3:10 pm

          Hi Howard, I love your story, and I'm so grateful you've shared it with me and my readers here. As I've written, Casa Mia -- "Hap's" 😉 -- was a huge part of my childhood and my whole family has such warm memories of being there, and of the family. My mom loved Joanne, and I remember we really liked a waiter named David who was there for years. Sadly, my mom passed away last summer, but this is among many recipes that will forever remind me of her and of memories we shared. Thank you again for your story, and for stopping by my site! You might just love this chili recipe, too. 🙂 Warmly, Valentina

          Reply
    2. Chris Livas

      January 11, 2014 at 10:25 pm

      Thank you, thank you, thank you Valentina for helping keep the memory of the Casa Mia alive. Well done.....going to try your chili........and if you'd like to surprise your mom, I'd be happy to give you the Colorado recipe...... All the best to you and yours, Chris Livas

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 12, 2014 at 6:33 pm

        Thanks so much, Chris. It's been really fun thinking so much about Casa Mia lately -- super nostalgic for my parents, too. Of course I'd love to see the Colorado Burrito recipe! 🙂

        Reply
      • Corey Westgate

        October 12, 2016 at 6:06 pm

        Hi Chris!! It's Corey 🙂 so miss the canyon and most especially Casa Mia! Great story.
        Hope your family is well and tell your mom I said hello!
        Corey (Burns) Westgate

        Reply
        • valentina

          October 13, 2016 at 12:37 pm

          Hi Corey -- I'm Valentina, the author of this article and blog 😀 I sent Chris your message and here is his reply: Hey Corey,
          I am and hope the same for you. Going out to see my mom today actually and will pass along your message.

          Reply
    3. Elle Martin

      January 12, 2014 at 9:20 pm

      Can't wait to try the chocolate chili. Hug your mom for me!

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 13, 2014 at 4:37 am

        Thanks, Elle! I will pass the hug along. xo

        Reply
    4. Coco

      January 13, 2014 at 11:01 pm

      I'm bummed I'd never been to Casa Mia.
      My folks used to take us to Lawry's a lot, most Sundays. The gardens were so pretty and there was always a mariachi trio wandering around, serranading us while we ate.

      This chili looks devilish. Love the chocolate in it. I'm so curious - canNOT wait to see how it tastes. But I'm not going to reveal your secret ingredient and see what my family says. 😉

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 15, 2014 at 7:46 am

        I love the Lawry's memory! xo

        Reply
    5. Aimee

      January 15, 2014 at 5:07 am

      We were JUST talking about Casa Mia but couldn't remember the name! This looks delish - and I love those pics~!

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 15, 2014 at 7:51 am

        Thanks, Aimee. Surely you came with my family on occasion, right? xo

        Reply
    6. Claudia Allen

      June 07, 2015 at 10:15 pm

      I LOVED Casa Mia!!!! We ate there every week.....always ordered the tostada with lots of salsa and thousand island dressing!!!! Never, ever another tostada like Casa Mia!!!! A wonderful 70's hang-out.....great memories!

      Reply
      • valentina

        June 08, 2015 at 2:30 pm

        So awesome that you know Casa Mia! I still miss it every time I drive on Entrada! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Mike Goehring

      September 17, 2016 at 8:54 pm

      Casa Mia was a huge part of my childhood. Poncho and Joanne were wonderful... the tostadas were my favorite! Don't forget the jalapeño peppers on the table- still remember eating one whole on a dare. The vibe, the food, everything - it was perfect.

      Reply
      • valentina

        September 17, 2016 at 10:24 pm

        Hi Mike! I love connecting with friends of Casa Mia. So happy you found my post about it. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine

      January 03, 2017 at 2:56 pm

      I have been all about Mexican food lately-- this looks perfect!

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 03, 2017 at 5:04 pm

        Thank you, Michelle! Perfect it is. (IMHO, of course!) 😉

        Reply
      • valentina

        January 04, 2017 at 4:39 pm

        Happy to help 😉

        Reply
    9. Tracy Koslicki

      January 03, 2017 at 3:02 pm

      LOVE those kind of memories that create dishes like this! That's when you know they're truly made with love!

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 03, 2017 at 5:04 pm

        I so agree, Tracy. Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Kristine

      January 03, 2017 at 4:25 pm

      I love everything about this chili! It sound amazing! Saving this for dinner next week. 🙂

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 03, 2017 at 5:05 pm

        Great! Hope you love it! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Kara @ Byte Sized Nutrition

      January 03, 2017 at 5:04 pm

      These flavors sound fantastic! And I'm sure they taste even more amazing with all those memories associated with them

      Reply
    12. Charlie C

      January 10, 2017 at 9:30 pm

      I grew up in Westwood, but would make the trip to Casa Mia with my parents once a month or so. Loved their greasy tacos with the parmesean and the aforementioned crisp lettuce. The enchiladas also came on those oh so hot plates and were stuffed with plenty of nearly liquified cheese.

      And a funny aside, those trips to Casa Mia were also educational from a cultural standpoint. I was so young at the time, I didn't know what homosexuality was or that gay bars existed before asking my parents about the "cool ship place" next door.

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 10, 2017 at 11:34 pm

        Ah yes, the "SS Friendship!" Thanks so much for sharing your Casa Mia memories! I'd forgotten about that dusting of Parmesan cheese! I LOVED that! 🙂

        Reply

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