Simmered Texas Beef Chili with Beans

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, slow-simmered chili with ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of warm spices, perfect for chilly evenings. This american-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs pound 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 300 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: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced bell pepper, and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon sugar.
  4. Step 4: Add 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 ounces) drained and rinsed kidney beans, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Texas Beef Chili with Beans take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Texas Beef Chili with 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 pound ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Texas Beef Chili with 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 Simmered Texas Beef Chili with 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 Simmered Texas Beef Chili with Beans?

American soups 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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