One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and Smoky Chipotle
Hearty and smoky beef chili simmered with black beans, chipotle peppers, and a blend of spices for a rich and satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (15 oz) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 peppers, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
- optional, for serving sour cream
- optional, for serving shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, and 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Serve hot topped with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and optional sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and 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 One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and Smoky Chipotle?
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 One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and 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 One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and Smoky Chipotle?
Mexican 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.
