One-Pot Spicy Chipotle Beef and Black Bean Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and smoky chili made in one pot with ground beef, black beans, and smoky chipotle peppers, perfect for a comforting dinner. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes turns ground beef, (14 oz) diced tomatoes (canned), medium, diced onion into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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 400 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 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 cup water. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or chipotle if desired. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy Chipotle 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 Spicy Chipotle Beef and Black Bean Chili?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy 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 Spicy 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.

What goes well with One-Pot Spicy Chipotle 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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