Simmered Cumin Beef Chili
A deeply flavorful chili simmered with smoky cumin and tender ground beef, ideal for chilly evenings. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, large, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 large, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed), and 2 cups beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Cumin Beef Chili take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Simmered Cumin Beef 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 Simmered Cumin Beef 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 Simmered Cumin Beef 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 Simmered Cumin Beef Chili?
American one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
