Whiskey-Spiced Beef Chili with Roasted Peppers
A hearty beef chili infused with smoky roasted peppers and a splash of whiskey for depth and warmth. This american-inspired beef ready in about 65 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, large, diced red bell pepper 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced red bell pepper
- 1 large, diced green bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup whiskey
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz, drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place 1 large diced red bell pepper and 1 large diced green bell pepper on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until edges are charred and tender.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, cooking for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup whiskey carefully and cook for 2 minutes to reduce slightly, stirring to scrape up browned bits.
- Step 5: Add the roasted peppers, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz drained kidney beans, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Bring chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 30 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whiskey-Spiced Beef Chili with Roasted Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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-Spiced Beef Chili with Roasted Peppers?
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 Whiskey-Spiced Beef Chili with Roasted Peppers?
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-Spiced Beef Chili with Roasted Peppers 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-Spiced Beef Chili with Roasted Peppers?
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.
