Simple Chili Recipe: Hearty Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)

This simple chili recipe brings warm comfort to any night. Learn my family's hearty, easy chili recipe with tips for a flavorful meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy (optional)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
05 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
06 - 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
07 - 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)

→ Flavor Boosters & Spices

08 - 2 tbsp chili powder
09 - 1 tbsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish & Toppings

14 - Shredded cheddar cheese
15 - Sour cream
16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Sliced jalapeños
18 - Cornbread for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First up, grab a big, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, and set it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want to brown it really well, getting some nice, crispy bits. This is where so much flavor starts for your easy chili recipe, so don't rush it! I sometimes get impatient, but those browned bits are gold. Drain off any excess fat; you don’t want greasy chili, trust me.
02 - Once your beef is beautifully browned and drained, toss in your chopped onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. You'll start to smell that sweet onion aroma, and that's your cue. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it's fragrant. Don't let it burn, or it'll taste bitter—I made that mistake once, and it nearly ruined the whole pot!
03 - This is where the magic really happens for this easy chili recipe! Push the beef and veggies to one side of the pot, and add your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper to the empty space. Let them toast in the residual heat for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until they become incredibly fragrant. Oh, the smell! It fills the kitchen with such warmth. Then, stir everything together until the spices coat all the beef and onions.
04 - Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Give it a good stir, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that's all flavor, baby! Now, add your rinsed and drained kidney and pinto beans. Stir everything one more time to combine, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
05 - Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 45 minutes to an hour. Honestly, the longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together. I like to stir it every 15-20 minutes, just to make sure nothing is catching. This is where your easy chili recipe really gets its depth. The kitchen smells amazing now, right?
06 - After simmering, taste your chili. This is crucial! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Sometimes it needs a little more chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce if you like extra heat. Once you're happy with the flavor, ladle it into bowls and go wild with your favorite toppings. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar, and some fresh cilantro? Yes, please!

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush browning the meat; those crispy bits are essential for deep flavor in your easy chili recipe.
02 - Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. My chili almost always needs more salt than I initially think.
03 - If you have time, let the chili cool completely and then reheat it the next day. The flavors truly get a chance to meld and deepen.
04 - For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a bay leaf during simmering and remove it before serving.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 - wooden spoon
03 - measuring spoons
04 - knife
05 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 30g

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