Smoky Chipotle Ground Beef Chili with Zucchini
A hearty, smoky chili featuring ground beef, zucchini, and a hint of chipotle heat, simmered to perfection. This american-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes turns pounds ground beef, diced into 1/2-inch cubes zucchini, (14 oz) diced tomatoes 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 240 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds ground beef
- 2 cups, diced into 1/2-inch cubes zucchini
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1, finely minced chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown 1.25 pounds ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat (325°F) for 6-7 minutes, breaking into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups diced zucchini, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 minced chipotle pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, then cook uncovered for 5 more minutes to deepen flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Chipotle Ground Beef Chili with Zucchini take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Ground Beef Chili with Zucchini?
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 Ground Beef Chili with Zucchini?
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 Ground Beef Chili with Zucchini 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 Smoky Chipotle Ground Beef Chili with Zucchini?
American soups 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This chili was a hit with my family! The smoky chipotle really added depth without being too spicy.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a cold night. The zucchini made it so healthy and the chipotle flavor was spot on.
- ★★★★☆
Slightly bland for my taste, but I'll make it again with more chipotle.
