Government-Approved Beef & Bean Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A thick, flavorful chili made with affordable ground beef and beans, simmered to perfection for a comforting weeknight dinner. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, (14 oz) diced tomatoes, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, for 6-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pot.
  2. Step 2: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add chili powder, cumin, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth. Stir well to combine, then bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, add drained kidney beans, and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Government-Approved Beef & Bean Chili take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Government-Approved Beef & Bean 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 Government-Approved Beef & Bean 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 Government-Approved Beef & Bean 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 Government-Approved Beef & Bean 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.

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