Hearty Easy Chili Recipe: A Simple Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Warm up with this comforting Easy Chili Recipe. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and perfect for family dinners. Quick prep, satisfying results.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (check broth/spices)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Chili Base
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
03 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted if possible)
06 -
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
07 -
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 -
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
09 -
2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 -
2 tbsp chili powder
11 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 -
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
15 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Flavor Boosters (Optional)
16 -
1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (with 1 tsp sauce)
17 -
1 (4 ounce) can mild green chiles, undrained
→ Finishing Touches
18 -
Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
19 -
Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
20 -
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
21 -
Cornbread or crackers, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it's all browned and no pink remains, drain off any excess fat. This is where I learned my lesson, don't skip this part! You'll see those beautiful browned bits forming, which means flavor, honestly.
02 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh, the smell at this point! It just fills the kitchen and makes you feel all warm inside. Don't let the garlic burn, that's an oops moment you want to avoid.
03 -
Now for the good stuff! Add the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute, letting the spices toast a bit. This step is super important for developing deep flavor, honestly. You'll smell them bloom, it's incredible! Make sure everything is coated evenly.
04 -
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans. Give it a good stir. I always feel a little thrill when all these ingredients come together, it starts to look like real chili!
05 -
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for deeper flavor. I usually let mine go for about 45 minutes; it makes such a difference! This is where the magic happens, all those flavors melding together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, you don't want a burned bottom, trust me.
06 -
Remove the lid, give your Easy Chili Recipe a final stir, and taste. This is your moment to adjust seasonings! Add salt and pepper to your liking. If it needs a little more kick, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne can do the trick. The chili should be rich, thick, and incredibly flavorful. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't rush the browning of the beef; those browned bits are flavor bombs you don't want to miss, I learned that the hard way.
02 -
To save time, you can chop your onion and mince your garlic ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
03 -
If you don't have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans work wonderfully as a substitute, I've tried both!
04 -
A dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro truly elevates the flavor and presentation.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
chopping board
03 -
knife
04 -
measuring spoons/cups
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: Approx. 450-550 kcal (per serving, without toppings)
Total Fat: Approx. 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: Approx. 30-40g
Protein: Approx. 30-40g