Baked Texan Chili with Smoked Beef and Black Beans

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

A hearty baked chili featuring smoked beef brisket, black beans, and bold Texan spices slow-cooked to perfection. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs smoked beef brisket, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, (14.5 oz) 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb smoked beef brisket cut into 1-inch cubes to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges start to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then cover the skillet with a lid or foil. Transfer to oven and bake for 45 minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This chili pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Texan Chili with Smoked Beef and Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 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 Baked Texan Chili with Smoked Beef and 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 smoked beef brisket from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Texan Chili with Smoked Beef and 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 Baked Texan Chili with Smoked Beef and 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 Baked Texan Chili with Smoked Beef and Black Beans?

American beef 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.