High-Protein Beef and Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle

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

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 (high protein) ready in about 55 minutes turns lean ground beef (90% lean), (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does High-Protein Beef and Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle 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 High-Protein Beef and Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in High-Protein Beef and Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle?

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 High-Protein Beef and Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle 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.

Is High-Protein Beef and Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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