When the weather turns chilly or you just need a bowl of comfort, nothing beats a steaming pot of chili. Chili is hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this Easy Chili Recipe is perfect for weeknights, game days, or potluck dinners. With just a handful of ingredients and a little simmering, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chili Recipe
- Quick prep: Only 15 minutes of chopping and sautéing.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples you probably already have.
- Customizable: Adjust spice, beans, or toppings to your taste.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for feeding family or entertaining friends.
Ingredients For Easy Chili Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (or turkey) | 1 lb | Lean, for less grease |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing onions & garlic |
| Onion (yellow/white) | 1 medium, diced | Adds sweetness and flavor |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced | Fresh is best, but powder works too |
| Bell pepper (red/green) | 1, diced | Optional, adds color and crunch |
| Kidney beans | 1 can (15 oz), drained | Can sub with pinto or black beans |
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz), drained | Adds texture & protein |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) | Base of the chili |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | Deepens flavor |
| Beef broth | 1 cup | Adjust thickness as desired |
| Chili powder | 2 tbsp | Adjust to spice preference |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp | Warm, smoky flavor |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Adds depth (optional) |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Season as you go |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp (optional) | For extra heat |
Instructions – Step by Step
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the meat: Add ground beef (or turkey). Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Add beans and tomatoes: Stir in kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well.
- Simmer: Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes (longer for richer flavor). Stir occasionally.
- Taste & adjust: Add more spice, salt, or broth if needed.
- Serve: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.
Classic Beef Chili Recipe
If you’re craving a meaty, hearty chili without too many extras, this beef chili recipe is for you.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add onions and garlic; sauté until golden.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook spices for 1 minute.
- Add kidney beans, tomatoes, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with cornbread, shredded cheddar, or jalapeño slices.
This recipe is rich, bold, and a true crowd favorite—perfect for Family Dinners or chili cook-offs.
Tips For The Best Chili
- Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Add veggies: Corn, zucchini, or carrots add nutrition and texture.
- Go spicy: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Thicken naturally: Simmer uncovered if too watery.
25 Best Chili Recipes to Try
If you fall in love with this easy version, here are 25 chili recipes to explore:
- Classic Beef & Bean Chili
- White Chicken Chili
- Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
- Black Bean Vegetarian Chili
- Smoky Chipotle Chili
- Slow Cooker Chili
- Instant Pot Chili
- Three-Bean Chili
- Texas-Style Chili (no beans)
- Pork & Green Chili (Chile Verde)
- Pumpkin Turkey Chili
- Cincinnati Chili (served over spaghetti)
- Chili Mac (with pasta)
- Bison & Black Bean Chili
- Quinoa Vegetarian Chili
- Beer Chili (using dark stout)
- Low-Carb Keto Chili
- Sweet Corn & Chorizo Chili
- Butternut Squash Chili
- White Bean & Kale Chili
- Chili con Carne
- Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Venison Chili
- Red Lentil Vegan Chili
- Award-Winning Competition Chili
Award-Winning Chili Recipe Inspiration
Award-winning chili often goes beyond the basics. They include layers of spices, different cuts of meat (like brisket or pork shoulder), and secret ingredients such as:
- Dark chocolate or cocoa powder – Adds richness and balances acidity.
- Beer or coffee – Deepens the flavor profile.
- Masa harina (corn flour) – Thickens chili with a subtle corn flavor.
If you want to elevate your easy chili into a competition-worthy bowl, try experimenting with these additions.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the meat and add more beans or lentils for protein.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
Chili lasts up to 4 days in the fridge and freezes well for 3 months.
Q: Can I make chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the meat first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Conclusion
This easy chili recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple pantry staples and a one-pot method, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful dish ready in under an hour. Whether you stick with the classic version, try the rich beef chili, or experiment with the 25 best chili variations, there’s a bowl of chili out there for everyone.
So grab a spoon, gather your toppings, and enjoy a bowl of homemade chili – because nothing warms the soul quite like it.
