Package Manager Chili with Mixed Beans and Ground Beef
A hearty chili simmered with a trio of beans and seasoned ground beef, inspired by the idea of package management for layering ingredients harmoniously. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced 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 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 cup diced green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup each of drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans along with 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover partially, and reduce heat to low. Let cook for 30 minutes stirring occasionally until the chili thickens and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning if desired before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Package Manager Chili with Mixed Beans and Ground Beef 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 Package Manager Chili with Mixed Beans and Ground Beef?
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 Package Manager Chili with Mixed Beans and Ground Beef?
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 Package Manager Chili with Mixed Beans and Ground Beef 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 Package Manager Chili with Mixed Beans and Ground Beef?
American 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.
