One-Pot Smoky Beef and Black Bean Chili
A hearty one-pot chili simmered with smoky spices, tender ground beef, and black beans, perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings. This latin american-inspired one pot (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. 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
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, cooking for 4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp chili powder, and 1 tsp dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 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. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over each bowl.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Smoky Beef and Black Bean Chili 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 Smoky 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Smoky 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 Smoky Beef and Black Bean Chili 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.
Is One-Pot Smoky 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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