Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Dark Beer

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-10 · Updated 2026-05-10

A hearty and smoky beef chili slow-cooked with rich spices and dark beer, perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 375 minutes, pairs lean ground beef, yellow onion, diced, red bell pepper, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup dark beer (stout or porter)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 1 diced medium red bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 1 lb lean ground beef to the skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until the spices bloom.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1 cup dark beer, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chili thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.