Texas-Style Beef & Bean Chili
A hearty, slow-simmered chili with ground beef, kidney beans, and smoky spices—perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 70 minutes pairs ground beef, (15 oz each) kidney beans, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large pot over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking into crumbles. Add 1 cup chopped onions and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Add 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans (drained), 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1.5 cups beef broth, and 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then simmer uncovered for 10 minutes more.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Texas-Style Beef & Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 Texas-Style 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 Texas-Style 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 Texas-Style 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 Texas-Style 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
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
