Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Dark Beer
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 ready in about 375 minutes pairs lean ground beef, medium yellow onion, diced, medium 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 cloves 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Dark Beer take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Smoked Paprika and Dark Beer?
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 lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Dark Beer?
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 Smoked Paprika and Dark Beer 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 Smoked Paprika and Dark Beer?
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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