West Seattle Coffee-Infused Beef Chili
A rich, hearty beef chili enhanced with the deep, complex flavors of brewed coffee and smoky spices, perfect for chilly evenings. This american-inspired comfort food ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef (80% lean), 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 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, canned
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1 cup beef broth, and 1/2 cup brewed coffee. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the chili thickens.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving hot with your favorite toppings.
Frequently asked questions
How long does West Seattle Coffee-Infused Beef 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 West Seattle Coffee-Infused Beef 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 (80% lean) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in West Seattle Coffee-Infused Beef 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 West Seattle Coffee-Infused Beef 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 West Seattle Coffee-Infused Beef Chili?
American comfort food 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
- ★★★★★
This recipe transformed my usual chili into something extraordinary. Highly recommend!
- ★★★★★
The coffee added the perfect depth to the chili. My family loved it!
- ★★★★☆
Loved the coffee twist, but it was a bit too spicy for my kids.