Easy Chili Recipe
This Easy Chili Recipe is exactly what you need when you want something warm, hearty, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. This simple recipe delivers all the classic chili flavors in just one hour!
Looking for more cold weather recipes? Try our Cowboy Soup, Hamburger Vegetable Soup, or Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup.
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I make this beef chili recipe at least once a week during cooler weather because it’s foolproof and my husband thinks it’s the best chili recipe ever! I love it too, though sometimes I switch things up and fix my chili soup when I want a lighter chili fix.
The best part is you probably have most of these pantry ingredients already, making it perfect for dinner tonight!
What you’ll love about this homemade chili recipe:
Recipe Ingredients needed for this Dutch Oven Chili:
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Homemade Chili:
- Ground beef
- Large onion- I used a yellow onion, but white will work too.
- Garlic
- Fire roasted tomatoes
- Kidney beans- A can of chili beans may be used, or your favorite beans
- Tomato sauce- you can use tomato paste with water instead
- Beef broth
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Onions (diced red onion or green onions)
- Crackers
- Tortilla chips
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground Beef: 80/20 blend works best for maximum flavor, lean ground beef can make the chili less rich. You could also try ground chicken, or ground turkey for turkey chili.
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes: These add extra deep flavor, but regular diced tomatoes work too.
- Brown Sugar: This balances the acidity and adds subtle sweetness to this easy recipe.
How to make this Easy Chili Recipe step-by-step:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
Step 1: In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onion and garlic until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired.
Step 2: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine.
Step 3: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low heat. Cover and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Remove lid and simmer uncovered on medium heat for additional 10 minutes if thicker consistency is desired.
Step 6: Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
PRO TIP:
Don’t skip the brown sugar,it balances the acidity and gives the chili a more depth of flavor without making it sweet. If you’re a spice lover, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Storage and Reheating:
Storage: Let cool to room temperature and store leftover chili in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
Freezing: This chili freezes great for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly.
Additions and Substitutions:
ADDITIONS:
- Heat: If you’re a spice lover, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. Add diced poblano peppers, red peppers, or green bell pepper to create a spicier chili. Adjust spice level based on personal preference.
- Vegetables: Try adding corn, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes cut into small pieces.
- Beans: Mix in different types of beans for variety. I love adding pinto beans and black beans.
- Oil: Add a drizzle of olive oil when sautéing for extra richness.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Meat: Ground chicken, turkey, or even chicken breasts work well. You can also make vegetarian chili by omitting meat entirely.
- Cooking Method: Try this as crockpot chili or an easy slow cooker chili recipe for hands-off cooking. Most of the time I cook it in the Instant Pot, start to finish!
- Heat Level: Make it a mild chili or spicy chili depending on your family’s preferences.
- Seasonings: Use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
FAQs about this Ground Beef Chili Recipe:
How can I make this chili spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, increase the chili powder, or stir in some hot sauce to create a spicier chili that satisfies any spice lover.
How to make a quick easy chili?
Brown the meat with onions, add canned tomatoes, beans, broth and spices, then simmer for 15-20 minutes. This recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! This simple recipe adapts well – brown the meat first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What are the basic ingredients for chili?
Ground beef, onions, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, and salt are the essential ingredients for any good chili recipe.
What is the secret to really good chili?
Don’t skip the brown sugar! It balances the acidity and gives the chili deeper flavor without making it sweet. Also, let it simmer long enough for the flavors to develop for a classic chili recipe.
What can I serve with this Dutch Oven Chili?
This great recipe is perfect with cornbread, crackers, tortilla chips, or even over a hot dog for chili dogs! My kids most favorite things to eat with homemade chili is a grilled cheese!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’m excited for you to try this Easy Chili Recipe! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do! Find us on IG + TikTok: @littlechefwithin
Easy Chili Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14.5-ounce) fire roasted tomatoes undrained
- 1 can (15-ounce) kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8-ounce) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onion and garlic until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired.1 pound ground beef,1 large onion,3 cloves garlic.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.1 can (14.5-ounce) fire roasted tomatoes,1 can (15-ounce) kidney beans,1 can (8-ounce) tomato sauce,1 cup beef broth.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.2 tablespoons chili powder,1 teaspoon ground cumin,1 teaspoon paprika,1 teaspoon brown sugar,1 teaspoon salt,1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove lid and simmer uncovered for additional 10 minutes if thicker consistency is desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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