Minnesota Heavy Equipment Chili

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

A hearty chili featuring slow-cooked beef and Midwest-inspired spices, perfect for auction day meals. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 80 minutes pairs Ground beef, Onion, Garlic 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Step 2: Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans (rinsed), beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Minnesota Heavy Equipment Chili take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Minnesota Heavy Equipment 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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Minnesota Heavy Equipment 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 Minnesota Heavy Equipment 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 Minnesota Heavy Equipment Chili?

American slow cooker 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.

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