Stovetop Beef Chili with Chipotle

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, spicy chili with ground beef, beans, and smoky chipotle peppers, simmered to develop bold, complex flavors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes turns (85% lean) ground beef, medium, diced onion, minced garlic into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking into small crumbles, until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 1-2 minced chipotle peppers, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 can kidney beans, 1 can black beans, 1 cup beef broth, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Beef Chili with Chipotle take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Chili with Chipotle?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Beef 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 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 Chili with Chipotle?

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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