Harlingen-Style Smoky Beef and Black Bean Chili
A hearty chili inspired by Texas flavors with tender beef, black beans, and smoky chipotle peppers, slow simmered for deep richness. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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, 85% lean ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 peppers, minced chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb ground beef to the pot, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo, and 1 can drained black beans. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harlingen-Style Smoky Beef and Black Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Harlingen-Style Smoky Beef and Black 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 85% lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Harlingen-Style Smoky Beef and Black 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 Harlingen-Style Smoky Beef and Black 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 Harlingen-Style Smoky Beef and Black Bean Chili?
Mexican 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.
