Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Beans

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

A hearty slow-cooked chili with tender beef, smoky chipotle peppers, and a blend of beans for rich, comforting flavor. This american-inspired beef ready in about 375 minutes pairs ground beef, yellow onion, garlic cloves 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Beans 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 Smoky Chipotle and 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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle and 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle and 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Beans?

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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