Budget Beef and Bean Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, slow-cooked chili packed with beans, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for a comforting meal on a budget. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 65 minutes pairs Ground beef, drained and rinsed Kidney beans, drained and rinsed Black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 3.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking into 1/2-inch cubes with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, then add 2 cups diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 cups water. Stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 30-40 minutes until the beef is tender and the flavors meld. Stir in 1 can kidney beans and 1 can black beans, then cook for 10 more minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or chili powder if needed. Serve with rice or cornbread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Budget Beef and Bean Chili take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Budget Beef and Bean Chili?

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 Budget Beef and Bean Chili?

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 Budget Beef and Bean Chili 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 Budget Beef and Bean Chili?

Mexican 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.

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