Spiced South Chicago Beef Chili with Beans
Hearty beef chili with a blend of warm spices and kidney beans, slow-simmered to create a rich and robust flavor reminiscent of South Chicago comfort food. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, medium 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until spices are aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 1 small chopped jalapeño, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced South Chicago Beef Chili with Beans 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 South Chicago Beef Chili with 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 Spiced South Chicago Beef Chili with 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 South Chicago Beef Chili with 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 South Chicago Beef Chili with 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.
