Racially Diverse Spiced Beef Chili with Mixed Beans

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

A hearty, slow-simmered chili highlighting a blend of spices that celebrate the diverse cultural influences reflected in U.S. Census data. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs lean ground beef, canned diced tomatoes, canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until hot, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 cloves minced garlic; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, 1 cup drained kidney beans, 1 cup drained black beans, and 1 cup water. Stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until chili thickens and flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Racially Diverse Spiced Beef Chili with Mixed Beans 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 Racially Diverse Spiced Beef Chili with Mixed 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 lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Racially Diverse Spiced Beef Chili with Mixed 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 Racially Diverse Spiced Beef Chili with Mixed 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 Racially Diverse Spiced Beef Chili with Mixed Beans?

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.

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