Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Roasted Hot Peppers and Cheese

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

A hearty slow-cooked chili infused with smoky roasted hot peppers and topped with melted cheese for comfort in every bite. This american-inspired beef ready in about 255 minutes pairs ground beef, canned diced tomatoes, medium, chopped roasted red hot peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1 diced medium onion, cooking for 6-8 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are translucent, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker and add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 3 chopped roasted red hot peppers, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over each bowl of chili and let it melt slightly from the heat.
  6. Step 6: Serve with optional cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Roasted Hot Peppers and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Roasted Hot Peppers and Cheese?

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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Roasted Hot Peppers and Cheese?

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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Roasted Hot Peppers and Cheese 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Roasted Hot Peppers and Cheese?

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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