Smoky Regional Red Chili with Ground Beef and Pinto Beans

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and smoky red chili featuring ground beef and pinto beans, seasoned with a blend of regional spices for a comforting bowl perfect for game day or cozy dinners. This american-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, medium yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups cooked pinto beans, and 1 1/2 cups beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let simmer gently for 30 minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Regional Red Chili with Ground Beef and Pinto Beans take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Regional Red Chili with Ground Beef and Pinto 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 Smoky Regional Red Chili with Ground Beef and Pinto 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 Regional Red Chili with Ground Beef and Pinto 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 Regional Red Chili with Ground Beef and Pinto 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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