Smoky Coffee-Infused Chili with Kidney Beans

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

A deep, complex chili simmered with bold coffee notes and hearty kidney beans, perfect for cool Texas evenings. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 90 minutes pairs pounds ground beef, large yellow onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 315 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 American cuisine 315 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brown ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, breaking into small crumbles; drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Add diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add tomato paste, 2 tablespoons cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in coffee, kidney beans (rinsed), diced tomatoes, and beef broth; bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally; season with salt and pepper before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Coffee-Infused Chili with Kidney Beans take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Coffee-Infused Chili with Kidney 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 pounds ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Coffee-Infused Chili with Kidney 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 Smoky Coffee-Infused Chili with Kidney 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 Smoky Coffee-Infused Chili with Kidney Beans?

American one pot 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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