Floodplain Predator Chili with Ancient Spice Blend
A robust slow-simmered chili featuring bold spices and hearty beef, inspired by the fossilized footprints of formidable predators discovered in prehistoric floodplains. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs ground beef, medium, diced yellow onion, medium, diced red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can, drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 1 medium diced red bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Step 5: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz drained kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot garnished with your choice of toppings.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Floodplain Predator Chili with Ancient Spice Blend take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Floodplain Predator Chili with Ancient Spice Blend?
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 Floodplain Predator Chili with Ancient Spice Blend?
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 Floodplain Predator Chili with Ancient Spice Blend 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 Floodplain Predator Chili with Ancient Spice Blend?
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.
