Oh, chili! There’s just something about a big, hearty bowl of chili that feels like a warm hug, especially when you’ve had a long day and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I adore this chili recipe easy – it’s genuinely my go-to for those nights when dinner needs to be on the table fast but still taste like you slaved over it. I remember making this one chilly Tuesday evening, and the whole house filled with that amazing smell. My kids practically inhaled it! It’s so simple, relying on everyday ingredients you probably already have, which is a lifesaver for busy parents like me.
Why This Chili Recipe Is a Weeknight Winner
Seriously, this chili is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Here’s why it’s such a favorite:
- Super Quick: You can have it on the table in about an hour, mostly hands-off simmering time.
- Minimal Ingredients: No fancy stuff here! It uses pantry staples and common grocery items.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s hearty and flavorful everyone in the family usually loves it – kids included!
- So Versatile: You can totally tweak it with your favorite toppings or even add extra veggies.
Gather Your Ingredients for This Easy Chili Recipe
Alright, so for this fantastic chili recipe easy, you don’t need a whole scavenger hunt through the grocery store! Most of this lives in my pantry or fridge already.
Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon to get things going.
- Ground beef: A pound of 80/20 is perfect for flavor.
- Onion: One medium one, chopped up nice and fine.
- Garlic: Two little cloves, minced. Oh, the smell!
- Spices: This is where the magic happens! You’ll want chili powder (1 tbsp), cumin (1 tsp), smoked paprika (1/2 tsp), and a pinch of cayenne for a little kick (but totally optional, promise!).
- Diced tomatoes: One 14.5-ounce can, including all that yummy juice.
- Beans: Two cans, usually kidney and black beans, but honestly? Use what you have! Just make sure they’re rinsed and drained well.
- Beef broth: One cup to give it that lovely liquid base.
- Salt and pepper: Just to taste, at the very end.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Easy Chili Recipe
Okay, this is where the magic really happens for our chili recipe easy! It’s pretty foolproof, I promise. Just grab a big pot – your trusty Dutch oven is perfect here – and get ready to throw in some deliciousness.
First things first, you’ll pour in that tablespoon of olive oil and heat it up over medium-high heat. You want it nice and warm, ready to sizzle!
Then, toss in your pound of ground beef. Now, the key here is to break it all up with your spoon as it cooks. You’re looking for it to get nicely browned. If you want some extra tips on getting that perfect sear, check out how to brown ground beef properly. Once it’s all cooked through, just carefully drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy chili, right?
Sautéing Aromatics for Flavor in Your Easy Chili
Next up, I add the chopped onion right into the same pot with that browned beef. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring it around until it starts to soften up and get a little translucent. This is where the base flavor starts to build for our easy chili!
Building Flavor with Spices
Now for the good stuff! Stir in your minced garlic, along with the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and that optional cayenne if you like a little heat. Let it all cook for just about one minute more. You’ll smell it right away – that toasting makes all the spices come alive and taste so much richer!
Simmering to Perfection for Your Chili Recipe
This is my favorite part! Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!), both cans of your rinsed and drained beans, and that cup of beef broth. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Once it all comes up to a simmer, just turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on, and let it do its thing for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, the longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together. I often let mine go for 45 minutes to an hour if I have the time. Remember to give it a little stir every now and then so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Finally, taste test it and add your salt and black pepper. You want it seasoned just right! Your amazing chili recipe is ready to go!
Tips for the Best Easy Chili Recipe
You know, making a great pot of chili is really about a few little things that make a big difference. For this easy chili recipe, here are my top tips to make sure it turns out amazing every single time!
Quality Matters: Even though it’s simple, try to use good quality ingredients. For instance, really good diced tomatoes can boost the flavor. And if you can, use 80/20 ground beef; the extra fat really helps with flavor and moisture in the chili.
Spice Level Control: Don’t be afraid to play with the heat! If you like it milder, just skip the cayenne pepper. If you want it spicier, add a bit more cayenne, or even a finely chopped jalapeño with the onions. Taste as you go!
Consistency is Key: If your chili seems too thick during simmering, just add a splash more beef broth or even water. If it’s too thin, just let it simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate. You want it hearty, not soupy!
Customizing Your Easy Chili Recipe
Honestly, the best part about this easy chili is how forgiving it is! It’s like a blank canvas for your chili dreams. Don’t have kidney beans? Toss in some pinto beans or even cannellini beans! I’ve even used refried beans in a pinch, just stirred them in at the end.
If you’re looking to lighten it up a bit, swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken is a total game-changer. For a vegetarian vibe that’s just as hearty, I love adding a can of lentils or some plant-based crumbles instead of meat. Oh, and you can totally sneak in extra veggies! Chopped bell peppers, corn, or even a shredded zucchini mixed in with the onions? Delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Chili
Now that you’ve got this amazing pot of chili, you’re probably wondering how to make it a whole meal, right? My favorite way has always been with some warm, fluffy cornbread on the side – it’s just *perfect* for scooping up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
And then there are the toppings! You really can’t go wrong. A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, some creamy avocado slices, or even just a handful of crunchy tortilla chips adds texture and takes your easy chili to the next level. It’s all about making it your own!
Storing and Reheating Your Easy Chili
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This is one of those dishes that actually tastes even better the next day. For storing your amazing easy chili, just let it cool down a bit first, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Want to freeze it? Even better! Just put it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is super quick, or you can gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often until it’s heated through. Easy peasy citrus squeezy!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Chili Recipe
Got more questions about whipping up this delicious chili recipe easy? I totally get it! I always have questions when I try new recipes too.
Can I make this chili recipe easy vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this chili recipe easy vegetarian, just swap out the ground beef for about 1.5 cups of cooked lentils or a package of your favorite plant-based crumbles. Everything else stays the same – it’s still super hearty and yummy!
How can I make my chili spicier or milder?
It’s so easy to adjust the heat! For spicier chili, just add a bit more cayenne pepper or even a finely chopped jalapeño when you sauté the onions. If you prefer it mild, you can skip the cayenne altogether or use less chili powder. Always taste as you go!
What are the best beans to use in this easy chili recipe?
I love using kidney and black beans in this chili recipe easy because they’re sturdy and soak up all those yummy flavors. But honestly, pretty much any bean works! Pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even a mix are fantastic too. Just make sure to rinse and drain them!
Share Your Easy Chili Recipe Creations!
Alright, home cooks! I’ve shared my secret for a super satisfying easy chili, and now I’m itching to see what you all whip up! Did you try it? Did you add something special? Let me know in the comments below! I’d absolutely love it if you shared photos of your creations too – tag me on social media so I can see your amazing bowls of deliciousness!
Easy Chili
Ingrédients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, you can simmer it longer.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.