Authentic Texas Chili Con Carne with Smoked Paprika

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

A rich, slow-simmered chili with beef and beans, seasoned with smoky paprika for deep, complex flavor. This southwestern-inspired soups ready in about 80 minutes pairs ground beef, medium onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Southwestern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, add 1 medium finely diced onion, and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 cup beef broth, and 1 can rinsed kidney beans; bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Texas Chili Con Carne with Smoked Paprika 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 Texas Chili Con Carne with Smoked Paprika?

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 Texas Chili Con Carne with Smoked Paprika?

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 Texas Chili Con Carne with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Texas Chili Con Carne with Smoked Paprika?

Southwestern soups 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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