North-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Chili
A hearty chili infused with warming northern spices and black beans, perfect for a comforting meal inspired by the chilly north winds. This american-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced large yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, and 1 cup beef broth. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes until chili thickens and flavors meld. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does North-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 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 North-Spiced 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 North-Spiced 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 North-Spiced Beef and Black Bean 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.
What goes well with North-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Chili?
American 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.
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