Chicago Jazz Club Spiced Beef and Black Bean Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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

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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.

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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