One-Pot Chipotle Beef and Black Bean Chili

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

A smoky and spicy beef chili cooked in one pot with black beans, chipotle peppers, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting and hearty meal. This mexican-inspired one pot (gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs ground beef (80/20), olive oil, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 40 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 480 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-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed, and 1 1/2 cups beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Chipotle 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 One-Pot Chipotle 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 ground beef (80/20) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chipotle 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 One-Pot Chipotle 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.

Is One-Pot Chipotle Beef and Black Bean Chili gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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