Overland Park Chili with Budget Beans
A hearty, slow-simmered chili using affordable canned beans and pantry staples, featuring smoky cumin and sweet bell peppers. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, medium, minced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can, drained canned kidney beans
- 1 medium, finely chopped diced green bell pepper
- 1 medium, minced yellow onion
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium minced yellow onion and 1 finely chopped diced green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp cumin, and 2 tsp chili powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can drained kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens. Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Overland Park Chili with Budget Beans take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Overland Park Chili with Budget Beans?
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 Overland Park Chili with Budget Beans?
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 Overland Park Chili with Budget Beans 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.
What goes well with Overland Park Chili with Budget Beans?
American slow cooker 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
