Sweet & Smoky Beef & Bean Chili
A hearty, mildly spiced chili with ground beef and kidney beans, simmered slow and low for maximum flavor that even picky eaters love. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 430 minutes pairs ground beef, diced tomatoes, kidney beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained kidney beans
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped diced onions
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 12 oz ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking into small crumbles, then drain excess fat and transfer to slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup chopped onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp brown sugar to the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the beef.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can drained kidney beans, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1/2 cup tomato sauce, stirring until well blended.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours until flavors meld and beef is tender, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet & Smoky Beef & Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 430 minutes (10 min prep + 420 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 Sweet & Smoky Beef & 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 Sweet & Smoky Beef & 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 Sweet & Smoky Beef & Bean Chili 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 Sweet & Smoky Beef & Bean Chili?
American slow cooker 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
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
