One-Pot Spiced Beef and Black Bean Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty one-pot chili combining ground beef with black beans, simmered in a rich tomato sauce accented by smoky spices. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium, 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 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: 35 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chili thickens and flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

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

What goes well with One-Pot Spiced Beef and Black Bean Chili?

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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