One-Pot Chili with Black Beans and Ground Beef
A hearty and spicy one-pot chili featuring ground beef, black beans, and bold seasonings that come together quickly for a satisfying meal. This american-inspired beef (high protein) ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef (80% lean), yellow onion, diced, red bell pepper, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 14 oz can canned diced tomatoes with juice
- 15 oz can canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and 1 cup diced red bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and no pink remains.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juice, 15 oz drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Chili with Black Beans and Ground Beef take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 with Black Beans and Ground Beef?
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 (80% lean) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chili with Black Beans and Ground Beef?
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 with Black Beans and Ground Beef 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.
Is One-Pot Chili with Black Beans and Ground Beef high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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