Spicy Texas-Style Chili with Ground Beef and Beans
A hearty and warming chili featuring ground beef simmered with kidney beans and bold Texas spices for a rich, satisfying meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, 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
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned kidney beans
- 1 can (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped (optional for garnish) fresh cilantro
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chili simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Texas-Style Chili with Ground Beef and Beans take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 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 Spicy Texas-Style Chili with Ground Beef and 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 Spicy Texas-Style Chili with Ground Beef and 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 Spicy Texas-Style Chili with Ground Beef and Beans 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 Spicy Texas-Style Chili with Ground Beef and 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.
