Government Budget Chili

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

A hearty, slow-simmered chili with lean ground beef, kidney beans, and a touch of smoky heat for a satisfying meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs lean ground beef, medium, finely chopped diced onion, diced bell pepper 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: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles, and cook for 5 minutes until browned, then drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped diced bell pepper and 1 medium finely chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened, then stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Stir well, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, then stir in 1 can (4 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Government Budget Chili 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 Government Budget 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 lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Government Budget 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 Budget 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 Budget 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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