Smoky Texan Beef Chili with Regional Spices
A hearty beef chili simmered with smoky chipotle and Texas-inspired spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 65 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 peppers, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Step 5: Pour in 14 oz crushed tomatoes and 1 cup beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed kidney beans, stir well, and simmer uncovered for 15 more minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Texan Beef Chili with Regional Spices take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Texan Beef Chili with Regional Spices?
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 Texan Beef Chili with Regional Spices?
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 Texan Beef Chili with Regional Spices 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 Texan Beef Chili with Regional Spices?
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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
