Chicago Jazz Club Spiced Beef and Black Bean Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A robust chili with ground beef, black beans, and smoky spices paying tribute to Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene and rich culinary culture. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Cook spices for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups drained black beans, 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices, and 1 1/2 cups beef broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning as desired and serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicago Jazz Club Spiced Beef and Black Bean Chili take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Chicago Jazz Club Spiced Beef and Black 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 Chicago Jazz Club Spiced Beef and Black 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 Chicago Jazz Club Spiced Beef and Black 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 Chicago Jazz Club Spiced Beef and Black Bean Chili?

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.

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