Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Black Beans
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 ready in about 50 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. 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey carefully and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and infuse flavor.
- 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.
- Step 5: Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Black Beans take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 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 Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Black Beans?
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 Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Black Beans?
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 Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Black Beans 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 Whiskey-Infused Beef Chili with Smoked Paprika and Black Beans?
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.
