Mexican Spice Ground Beef Chili
A robust, aromatic chili with lean ground beef, smoky spices, and kidney beans in a rich tomato broth — ideal for weeknight dinners and Whole30 adherence. This mexican-inspired beef (whole30) ready in about 40 minutes pairs lean ground beef, avocado oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1 can (14 oz), no salt added diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), rinsed kidney beans
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, for 5 minutes until browned, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil. Add 1 diced medium onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced red bell pepper, and cook for 4 minutes until onion is translucent.
- Step 3: Add 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 can rinsed kidney beans, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot, add 2 cups beef broth, and bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot in bowls.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mexican Spice Ground Beef Chili take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Mexican Spice Ground Beef 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 Mexican Spice Ground Beef 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 Mexican Spice Ground Beef Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Mexican Spice Ground Beef Chili whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
