One-Pot Chili-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Skillet

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

A hearty one-pot meal combining ground beef with black beans and a smoky chili spice blend for a warming, protein-packed dinner. This Mexican-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs ground beef, black beans, drained and rinsed, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Chili-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Skillet 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 One-Pot Chili-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Skillet?

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 Chili-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Skillet?

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 Chili-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Skillet 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 Chili-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Skillet?

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.

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