Stovetop Spiced Beef and Black Bean Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and hearty chili combining ground beef with black beans and warming spices, perfect for a cozy meal. This mexican-inspired beef (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, canned black beans, drained and rinsed, diced tomatoes, with juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic, taking care not to burn.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Bring the chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until thickened and flavors meld.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with fresh lime wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Spiced Beef and Black Bean 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 Stovetop Spiced Beef and Black Bean 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 Stovetop Spiced Beef and Black Bean 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 Stovetop Spiced Beef and Black Bean 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.

Is Stovetop Spiced Beef and Black Bean Chili gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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