Customer Service Chili with Smoked Paprika
A rich, slow-simmered chili featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and a hint of smoked paprika for depth. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained kidney beans
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef, breaking into small pieces, for 6-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, smoked paprika, and cumin.
- Step 3: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Season with salt and black pepper, then simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to deepen flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Customer Service Chili with Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Customer Service Chili with 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 Customer Service Chili with 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 Customer Service Chili with 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 Customer Service Chili with Smoked Paprika?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My kids even ate it without complaining. So easy to make in one pot.
- ★★★★★
This is my new go-to chili recipe! The smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth. Made it for a potluck and everyone loved it.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for a weeknight meal. The smoked paprika gave it a nice smoky flavor, but I think it could have been a bit spicier.
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