Texan-Inspired Beef and Black Bean Chili
A hearty, smoky beef chili with black beans and a blend of regional spices that brings warmth and depth to the table. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 1 medium diced green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 15 oz drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring the chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover partially. Let simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Texan-Inspired 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 Texan-Inspired 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 Texan-Inspired 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 Texan-Inspired 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.
What goes well with Texan-Inspired Beef and Black Bean Chili?
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.
