Imagine a dish that pulls together sizzling, smoky flavors with just the right dose of sweet heat, all in a single pan with zero fuss. That’s the magic of One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef — a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you crave something hearty and unforgettable. This recipe brings together rich ground beef, tender veggies, smoky spices, and a pop of honey that balances everything beautifully. The best part? It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and leaves you with only one pan to wash at the end!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef is proof that simple, everyday ingredients can create something special when combined the right way. Each component brings out a burst of flavor, appealing textures, and gorgeous colors to make this dish an instant classic at the table.
- Ground beef (1 lb, 85% lean): The backbone of the dish, bringing big flavor with just enough fat to keep things juicy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps everything sauté and brown perfectly in the skillet.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Lends savory sweetness and depth to the chili base.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for that irresistible aromatic kick.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Offers sweetness, color, and crunch to keep every bite interesting.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): The heart of that chili flavor — don’t be shy!
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Creates the signature smoky undertone essential to this dish.
- Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle earthiness.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): Bring the heat, or leave out for a milder version.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brightens every flavor in the skillet.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives the chili extra bite.
- Black beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): For creaminess, fiber, and plant-based protein.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Adds tang and subtle smokiness that ordinary tomatoes can’t touch.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor, thickening the sauce.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Delivers the perfect balance to the smoky, spicy notes.
- Beef broth or water (¼ cup): Ensures a saucy, spoonable chili consistency.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional): A bright, herbal finish perfect for garnish.
How to Make One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and stir for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’re aiming for soft and slightly translucent onions — this gentle sauté is what builds a sweet, savory base for your One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef. Next, add the minced garlic and let it work its magic for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add in the ground beef, breaking it apart with the back of your spoon as it cooks. Steer the beef around the skillet until it’s browned and crumbled, with no more pink showing anywhere. If there’s more fat than you’d like, carefully drain off the excess. This step is all about building a hearty, flavorful base — don’t rush it!
Step 3: Bloom the Spices and Add Vegetables
Sprinkle in the diced red bell pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper if you’re using it, salt, and black pepper. Let these spices toast with the beef and veggies for 2 minutes. This blooming technique releases the oils in the spices, coaxing out a deeper, smokier flavor that carries through the whole skillet.
Step 4: Simmer with the Saucy Ingredients
It’s time to bring in the soul of One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef: black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, and beef broth. Give everything a hearty stir, making sure all the flavors marry together. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10 to 12 minutes. The sauce will thicken and turn rich, glossy, and packed with warmth. Don’t forget to give it a taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When your skillet is full of bubbling, aromatic chili, finish by sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro over the top. This burst of greenery adds freshness and a pop of color — a final touch that makes your One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef as inviting to look at as it is to eat.
How to Serve One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef
Garnishes
Give your chili the love it deserves with the right garnish! Chopped fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a fragrant, herbal note. For even more charm, try adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, or a handful of sliced jalapeños. Each option amps up the personality of your One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef and lets everyone customize their own bowl.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Serve your One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef over fluffy white or brown rice, scoop it up with warm cornbread, or pair it with a bowl of crispy tortilla chips on the side. If you want to keep things crisp and light, a simple green salad with a zippy lime vinaigrette balances all the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your chili beyond the bowl: spoon it over baked sweet potatoes, stuff it into bell peppers for a fun twist, or use it as a hearty filling for chili-stuffed burritos. You can even top a baked potato or serve it nacho-style over a layer of tortilla chips. One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef is perfect for casual gatherings where everyone can build their own plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftovers tasting fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors of One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef continue to mingle and deepen as it sits, often making the next-day bites even more delicious.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully — perfect for meal plans or emergencies! Ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and pop them into the freezer, where they’ll keep for up to two months. Label each container for easy grab-and-go meals in a snap.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently, either in a microwave-safe bowl covered loosely with a lid or in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the chili seems too thick. Stir occasionally and heat until piping hot, then serve just as you would on the first night!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a lighter alternative. It’ll soak up all those smoky-sweet flavors and still make a satisfying skillet meal. Just be careful not to overcook, since turkey is leaner and can dry out faster.
Is this dish too spicy for kids?
The base recipe is flavorful but not overly spicy, especially if you skip the cayenne pepper. For sensitive palates, leave out any extra heat and taste as you go. You can always add more spice at the table for those who love it spicy.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
Regular diced tomatoes will work in a pinch! You might miss a bit of the smokiness, but the chili will still be delicious. If you want to amp up the smokiness, just add a tiny bit more smoked paprika.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, and you should! Simply double all the ingredients and use the largest skillet or Dutch oven you have. One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef is meant to be shared, and leftovers are never a bad idea.
What toppings go best with this chili?
The sky’s the limit! Try sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, sliced scallions, or pickled jalapeños. Every topping gives the One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef its own spin, so let everyone get creative.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bold, easy, and unforgettable meal, I can’t recommend this One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef enough. It’s cozy, quick to pull together, and packed with layers of flavor that hit all the right notes. Pour yourself a bowl, top it however you like, and watch it disappear — you’ll be making this again and again!
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 hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef with smoky spices, sweet honey, and a touch of heat. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Additional Ingredients:
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion and sauté until soft, then stir in garlic.
- Cook beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add spices and vegetables: Stir in bell pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Add black beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, and broth. Simmer until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
- This dish pairs well with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ¼ cups
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
