Authentic Game Day Chili with Smoky Paprika & Black Beans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, slow-simmered chili with authentic smoky depth, perfect for cheering on your team. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 80 minutes pairs ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat, then add onions and garlic; cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened, then add smoked paprika and cumin, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  3. Step 3: Add diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken stock, black beans, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Step 4: Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning; add more salt or smoked paprika if desired. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to deepen flavors, until sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Game Day Chili with Smoky Paprika & Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Game Day Chili with Smoky Paprika & Black Beans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Game Day Chili with Smoky Paprika & Black Beans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Game Day Chili with Smoky Paprika & Black Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Game Day Chili with Smoky Paprika & Black Beans?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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