Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili

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

A hearty, smoky beef chili built on chipotle peppers, ancho chiles, and slow-simmered beef for a deep, complex heat. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes turns Ground beef (85% lean), large Yellow onion, diced, Garlic cloves, minced into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz drained kidney beans, 1 cup beef broth, and 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve topped with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and optionally with 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for richness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili?

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 Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili?

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.

Related recipes