Stovetop Beef Chili with Chipotle

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

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.

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes