Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Black Beans

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-23 · Updated 2026-05-23

A hearty beef chili enriched with a splash of bourbon whiskey, smoky paprika, and tender black beans, perfect for game day or cozy dinners. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs ground beef (80% lean), olive oil, 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. 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 (80% lean)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey carefully and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and infuse flavor.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 cup beef broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
5. Step 5: Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.