Game Day Spiced Chili with Michigan Beans and Beef
A hearty chili packed with tender ground beef, Michigan-grown beans, and a blend of bold spices perfect for game day gatherings. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, cooked Michigan kidney beans, medium onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked Michigan kidney beans
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp (optional) hot sauce
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 1 diced medium green bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups cooked Michigan kidney beans, 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tsp hot sauce if using. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Game Day Spiced Chili with Michigan Beans and Beef 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 Game Day Spiced Chili with Michigan Beans and Beef?
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 Game Day Spiced Chili with Michigan Beans and Beef?
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 Game Day Spiced Chili with Michigan Beans and Beef 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 Game Day Spiced Chili with Michigan Beans and Beef?
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.
