Construction Crew Chili

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-06 · Updated 2026-04-06

A thick, hearty chili packed with ground beef, beans, and smoky spices — robust enough to fuel a construction site, yet perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium, diced onion
3 cloves, minced garlic
1, diced bell pepper
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz), drained kidney beans
1 can (15 oz), drained black beans
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp cocoa powder

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced bell pepper, cooking for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
Step 5: Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can drained kidney beans, 1 can drained black beans, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 tbsp cocoa powder. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors melded.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Construction Crew Chili take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 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 Construction Crew 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 Construction Crew 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 Construction Crew 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 Construction Crew Chili?

American one pot 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.