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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
