Spiced Horseback Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Black Beans

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

A hearty chili combining smoky chipotle peppers and tender black beans for a rich, satisfying meal inspired by rugged trail rides. This american-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes turns olive oil, ground beef, medium, diced yellow onion 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 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 6-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the beef, sautéing for 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 15 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over each portion.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Horseback Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Horseback Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Black Beans?

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 Spiced Horseback Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Black 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 Spiced Horseback Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Black 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 Spiced Horseback Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Black 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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