One-Pot Budget Beef and Bean Chili

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

A hearty, wallet-friendly chili made with affordable ground beef and canned beans, simmered to perfection in one pot. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, ground beef, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces with a spoon, then add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Budget Beef and Bean Chili take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Budget Beef and 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Budget Beef and 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 One-Pot Budget Beef and 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 One-Pot Budget Beef and Bean Chili?

American one pot 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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