Easy Chili Recipe

why make this recipe

Making an easy chili recipe is a great choice for many reasons. It is simple to prepare and requires just a few ingredients. Chili is hearty and filling, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Moreover, this recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Plus, a big pot of chili warms you up on a cold day.

how to make Easy Chili

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain extra fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
  3. Stir in chili powder and cumin. Cook for about 1 minute.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth (if you are using it).
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot.

how to serve Easy Chili

Easy chili can be served in many ways. You can dish it out into bowls and top it with cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Serve it with cornbread or tortilla chips for a crunchy side. It also goes well with rice for a filling meal.

how to store Easy Chili

To store easy chili, let it cool completely before putting it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Easy Chili

  • Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Adjust the chili powder to make it spicier or milder according to your taste.
  • Let the chili sit longer to deepen the flavors; it gets better the next day!

variation

You can easily make vegetarian chili by substituting the ground beef with more beans or lentils. Add bell peppers and zucchini for a tasty twist.

FAQs

Can I use canned chili beans?
Yes, you can use canned chili beans instead of kidney and black beans. Just rinse them before adding to the pot.

How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid. Adding a tablespoon of cornmeal can also help thicken it.

Can I make chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the meat and veggies on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Easy Chili

A simple and hearty chili recipe that is perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Easy to customize to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Meat and Beans
  • 1 pound ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
Vegetables
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (28 ounces)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder Adjust for spice preference.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Liquids
  • 1 cup beef broth (optional)

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain extra fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
  3. Stir in chili powder and cumin. Cook for about 1 minute.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth (if using).
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn, and let the chili sit longer to deepen flavors. For vegetarian chili, substitute ground beef with more beans or lentils.