High-Protein Beef and Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

A hearty and protein-rich chili featuring lean ground beef and black beans simmered with chipotle peppers for deep smoky flavor. This Mexican-inspired game-day recipe (high protein), ready in about 55 minutes, pairs lean ground beef (90% lean), black beans, drained and rinsed, diced tomatoes with juice 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 lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 1 lb lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until spices are toasted.
4. Step 4: Add 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed, 1 cup beef broth, and 1 tsp salt. Stir well to combine.
5. Step 5: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld.