Government Budget Chili
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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium, finely chopped diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (4 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
