Simmered Coney Island Chili with Ground Beef and Warm Spices

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

A rich, mildly spiced chili sauce simmered with ground beef and aromatic seasonings, perfect as a topping for Detroit-style hot dogs or fries. This american-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, minced garlic cloves, tomato paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion (about 100g) and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  5. Step 5: Mix in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; stir to coat beef evenly.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 1 1/2 cups water, bring to a gentle simmer, and reduce heat to low.
  7. Step 7: Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  8. Step 8: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm over hot dogs, fries, or your favorite base.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Coney Island Chili with Ground Beef and Warm Spices take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Simmered Coney Island Chili with Ground Beef and Warm Spices?

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 Simmered Coney Island Chili with Ground Beef and Warm Spices?

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 Simmered Coney Island Chili with Ground Beef and Warm Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Simmered Coney Island Chili with Ground Beef and Warm Spices?

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.

Related recipes