Stovetop Beef and Black Bean Chili with Chipotle

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and smoky stovetop chili made with ground beef, black beans, and chipotle peppers, simmered until thick and flavorful. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes pairs (80% lean) ground beef, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until spices are fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 1 cup beef broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and optional sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Beef and Black Bean Chili with Chipotle 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 Stovetop Beef and Black Bean Chili with Chipotle?

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 (80% lean) ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Beef and Black Bean Chili with Chipotle?

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 Stovetop Beef and Black Bean Chili with Chipotle 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 Stovetop Beef and Black Bean Chili with Chipotle?

Latin 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.