Peephole Camera Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-simmered beef and bean chili with smoky depth, for when your camera stops capturing the moment. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 70 minutes pairs ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces, for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 chopped large onion and 1 diced medium bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 can black beans (rinsed), and 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp salt before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Peephole Camera Chili take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 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 Peephole Camera 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 Peephole Camera 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 Peephole Camera Chili 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 Peephole Camera Chili?

American quick meals 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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