Spiced Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili
A hearty beef chili enriched with a splash of whiskey to deepen the smoky, robust flavors, perfect for game day or a comforting dinner. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 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 4, 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
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup whiskey
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup whiskey to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz drained kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth; stir to combine.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili 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 Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili?
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 Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili?
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 Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili?
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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