There are few things more satisfying than a dinner that dazzles your taste buds, fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and leaves you with just one pan to wash. Enter One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef: a recipe that’s as bold and comforting as it is fuss-free. With smoky spices, a hint of sweet honey, and a hearty mix of beans and ground beef all coming together in a quick half hour, this dish is the weeknight hero you’ve been dreaming of. Whether it’s a busy family night or a casual dinner with friends, this one-skillet marvel promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef is in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role. From the backbone of savory ground beef to the sweet touch of honey, every component is purposefully chosen to create a rich, memorable chili that checks all the right boxes for taste, texture, and color.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean beef for less grease, but still plenty of rich, meaty flavor as the chili base.
- Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon helps everything sauté smoothly and adds a subtle richness.
- Onion: Dice it small so it melts right into the sauce, providing gentle sweetness and body.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, give a punchy depth and lift all the other flavors.
- Chili Powder: The essential smoky spice; experiment with your favorite blend for a customized kick.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds signature smokiness that sets this chili apart from the rest.
- Ground Cumin: Offers earthy warmth and complexity that’s unmistakable in chili.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch revs up the heat—add to taste!
- Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich, velvety base that stews all flavors together.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the savory tomato flavor for extra heft.
- Honey: The magic in the mix, balancing spice with just enough sweetness for a craveable finish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens umami notes and rounds out all the beefy goodness.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season generously to highlight every flavor in the skillet.
- Black Beans: Drained and rinsed, they bring fiber, creaminess, and classic chili heartiness.
- Frozen Corn: Just enough for juicy pops of sweetness and a touch of color.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): Melts lusciously on top for that cheesy, irresistible finish.
- Chopped Green Onions or Cilantro for Garnish: Brightens up the final dish with freshness and a pop of green.
How to Make One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Grab your largest skillet and add the olive oil, heating it over medium. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion and let it sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. This gentle sauté builds the flavorful base, and once you add minced garlic, the whole kitchen starts smelling incredible. Give the garlic 30 seconds—just enough for its aroma to blossom, but not burn.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef right into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Using a wooden spoon, break up the beef as it cooks, stirring frequently until every bit is browned and crumbly. This not only ensures even cooking but also helps the meat soak up all those savory flavors. If there’s extra fat, feel free to drain it off for a less greasy finish.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Now, sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and (if using) red pepper flakes. Stir quickly to coat the beef—this blooming technique wakes up all the spices for maximum aroma and depth. The mixture will look beautifully rusty and fragrant at this point, thanks to the paprika and chili powder.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the tomato paste, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until everything is silky smooth and evenly combined. Give it a good seasoning with salt and pepper, then let the sauce come to a lively simmer. The honey is key here—it softens the punch of the spices, while the Worcestershire lends complexity that makes your chili truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Add Beans and Corn, Then Simmer
Gently fold in the drained black beans and frozen corn. Stir to combine, then lower the heat and let your One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef bubble away uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. This short simmer thickens the sauce while the beans and corn get perfectly tender and infused with flavor.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Garnish
If you’re craving that gooey, cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and wait just a minute for it to melt into molten deliciousness. Just before serving, shower your skillet with a handful of chopped green onions or cilantro—the fresh greens lift everything with their burst of color and summery zing.
How to Serve One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef
Garnishes
I love showering the finished chili with bright, fresh garnishes. Chopped green onions or cilantro add a pop of color and a hint of zesty freshness, while sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream can make each bowl extra special. Don’t be shy—extra cheddar, diced avocado, or even a squeeze of lime can all make an appearance.
Side Dishes
This hearty chili is magical on its own, but to round out dinner, serve it with fluffy steamed rice, warm cornbread, or a bowl of crunchy tortilla chips. Each side brings something different—rice soaks up the sauce, cornbread brings a sweet crumb, and chips add endless scooping fun for kids and grown-ups alike.
Creative Ways to Present
One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef is incredibly versatile. Try piling it over baked potatoes for a cozy chili-stuffed dinner, spooning it into soft tortillas for instant tacos, or scooping it atop a salad for a healthy twist. You can even ladle it into thermoses for a picnic or game day—just don’t forget the garnishes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Packed with protein and fiber, the leftovers from One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef keep beautifully in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to four days—flavors actually deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might be even more delicious!
Freezing
Want to get ahead? Let the chili cool to room temperature, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes well for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, or gently reheat from frozen in a saucepan with a splash of water to bring it back to its saucy, hearty glory.
Reheating
Reheat individual bowls in the microwave or larger portions on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly; you may want to add a drizzle of water if the chili has thickened during storage. Add fresh garnishes after reheating for that just-cooked appeal.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both turkey and chicken are delicious leaner options for One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef. Keep an eye on the seasonings and maybe add a touch more olive oil since those proteins are naturally lower in fat.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe has a gentle warmth from chili powder and smoked paprika, but it’s not overly spicy. For more heat, simply add extra crushed red pepper flakes or serve with hot sauce.
What type Main Course
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet such as cast iron is ideal for even cooking and easy stirring, but any roomy, deep skillet will do the trick for One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef.
Can I make this meal vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles, extra beans, or even lentils. Just adjust your cook time to ensure everything is heated through and saucy.
How can I use leftovers creatively?
Get playful with leftovers! Try stuffing them into bell peppers, layering them with tortilla chips for nachos, or turning your chili into the base for a smoky honey chili beef burrito bowl.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving big, bold flavors without a mountain of dishes, you have to make One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef. Easy, smoky, sweet, and oh-so comforting, it’s a dish that turns a handful of simple ingredients into pure dinner joy. Don’t wait—grab your skillet and let the chili magic begin!
Print
One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef is a deliciously easy and flavorful one-pan meal that combines the smokiness of paprika with the sweetness of honey for a perfect balance of flavors. Packed with ground beef, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce and Additions:
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Add black beans and corn, simmer for 10–12 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: If desired, top with cheddar cheese and let melt. Garnish with green onions or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level to taste by varying the chili powder and red pepper flakes.
- Pair with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- Leftovers work well for tacos or burrito bowls.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *