Classic Beef Chili with Cumin and Smoked Paprika
A hearty and warming chili featuring ground beef simmered with aromatic cumin, smoked paprika, and tomatoes for deep flavor. This american-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can, drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 4: Stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 15 oz drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens and flavors meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Beef Chili with Cumin and Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 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 Classic Beef Chili with Cumin and 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 Classic Beef Chili with Cumin and 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 Classic Beef Chili with Cumin and Smoked Paprika 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 Classic Beef Chili with Cumin and Smoked Paprika?
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.
