One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef—a weeknight dinner that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. This dish is tantalizingly smoky, just a touch sweet, and perfectly balanced with a gentle heat, all bubbling away in a single pan. The beauty of this recipe is its ease and speedy prep, making it possible to put a hearty, flavor-packed meal on the table in just half an hour. Every bite delivers the rich savoriness of beef, the subtle smokiness of paprika, the bold pinch of chili powder, and that irresistible drizzle of honey. If you’re searching for an unbeatable combo of convenience and big, bold flavor, this is the dish you need to try.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the very best One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef, you just need a handful of humble ingredients that magically come together. Each element, from the fragrant spices to the sweet honey, brings its own personality, making this chili complex, comforting, and colorful—without fuss.

• Olive oil: Helps the beef brown beautifully and adds a hint of richness to the base.
• Ground beef: A hearty protein that soaks up all those smoky, spicy flavors—choose 80/20 for the juiciest results.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture, perfectly melting into the sauce as it cooks.
• Garlic: Brings a kick of savory aroma that instantly deepens the flavor profile.
• Tomato paste: Packs concentrated umami and body, giving your chili a luscious, thick base.
• Smoked paprika: The secret to that irresistible, smoldering depth—don’t skip it!
• Chili powder: Lends essential warmth; adjust to suit your spice preferences.
• Cumin: Adds earthiness and rounds out the other spices for classic chili flavor.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): Toss in a pinch if you want a sneaky hit of heat.
• Honey: The game-changer! A touch of sweetness balances the robust, spicy flavors.
• Diced tomatoes (with juice): Brings brightness and keeps the chili juicy and fresh-tasting.
• Kidney beans: Make it a real meal, adding creaminess, color, and heartiness.
• Beef broth: Enhances depth and ties all the flavors together, making it wonderfully savory.
• Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, making every bite pop.
• Chopped green onions and shredded cheese (optional): Take your garnish game up a notch for extra flavor and color.

How to Make One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it sizzle until it’s evenly browned, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. You’re looking for those tiny crispy bits that give great texture. Once browned, drain off any extra grease to keep things lighter.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Next up, add the diced onion to the skillet. Stir and cook for about three minutes, or until the onion softens and turns a little translucent—this is where you start to smell the foundation of your chili building. Toss in the garlic and continue stirring for just about 30 seconds, letting that aroma bloom.

Step 3: Toast the Spices

Push the beef and onions to the edges of the pan, then add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and, if you’re feeling bold, the cayenne right into the center. Let these toast for one to two minutes, stirring constantly. This little step unlocks the big flavors that make One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef so special.

Step 4: Add the Sweet and the Saucy

Pour in the honey, diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, and beef broth. Give everything a thorough mix, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. As the mixture comes to a gentle simmer, you’ll catch that irresistible scent of sweet, smoky, and savory goodness mingling together.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Turn the heat down low and keep the skillet uncovered. Let the chili bubble gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken to chili perfection. Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking, then remove from the heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Now comes the fun part—spoon the chili into bowls and load up on your chosen toppings! I love a shower of chopped green onions and a generous handful of shredded cheese for the ultimate finishing touch.

How to Serve One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the toppings! One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef is made for a little extra love: chopped green onions bring a pop of color and freshness, while shredded cheese melts right into the heat of the chili. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of crushed corn chips for extra crunch and flair.

Side Dishes

This hearty chili can absolutely stand on its own, but it’s next-level when paired with a warm, buttered piece of cornbread or a pile of fluffy rice to soak up the extra sauce. Crusty bread, a big green salad, or tortilla chips on the side also work beautifully to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try spooning One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef over baked potatoes or sweet potato halves—talk about cozy comfort food! You can even serve it inside bell pepper boats, wrap it up in tortillas for smoky chili burritos, or ladle it into mini bowls for game-day chili shooters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chill any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to four days and actually gets even tastier as the flavors meld together. Just be sure it’s cooled to room temperature before you refrigerate for best results.

Freezing

One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef is ultra freezer-friendly! Portion cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (lay them flat to save space). It’ll stay delicious for up to three months—perfect for meal prep or future cozy nights in.

Reheating

To reheat, just pop your chili into a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. For single servings, the microwave works great; cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

What type Main Course

I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and juiciness in One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef. If you prefer it a bit leaner, just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. All the bold, smoky flavors will still shine through.

How spicy does this chili turn out?

One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef has a gentle warmth, but you control the heat. Omit the cayenne and dial back the chili powder for a milder flavor, or add more if you enjoy a kick. Taste and adjust as you go!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a bigger skillet or even a Dutch oven, and double all the ingredients. The cooking time may increase by a few minutes, but the method is the same—a big batch is perfect for parties or meal prepping.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you double-check that your beef broth and canned beans are certified gluten-free, One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef fits beautifully into a gluten-free meal plan.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something filling, comforting, and packed with flavor, you truly can’t go wrong with One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef. The ease, the boldness, and that touch of honey make this dish a weeknight win and a crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a new family favorite!

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