Spiced Texas-Style Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky beef chili infused with traditional Texas spices and smoked paprika for deep flavor. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 55 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-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 14 oz can of diced tomatoes with juices and 1 cup beef broth; stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover partially. Let cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed kidney beans and simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until chili thickens and flavors meld.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Texas-Style Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (10 min prep + 55 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 Texas-Style Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika?

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 Texas-Style Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika?

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 Texas-Style Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika 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 Texas-Style Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika?

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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