Spiced Game Day Chili with Black Beans and Ground Beef

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

A hearty, warming chili featuring ground beef and black beans with a blend of smoky spices, perfect for enjoying while gaming or watching sports. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, medium, diced yellow onion, medium, diced red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 40 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 1 diced medium red bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes until thickened and flavors meld, stirring occasionally.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Game Day Chili with Black Beans and Ground Beef 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 Spiced Game Day Chili with Black Beans and Ground Beef?

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 Spiced Game Day Chili with Black Beans and Ground Beef?

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 Spiced Game Day Chili with Black Beans and Ground Beef 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 Spiced Game Day Chili with Black Beans and Ground Beef?

Mexican 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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