The Best Quick and Easy Chili Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Whipping up a quick easy chili recipe can turn an ordinary evening into a flavor-packed adventure.

Hearty ingredients dance together in a single pot, creating magic that warms your soul.

Spices and tender meat mingle effortlessly, promising comfort in every delightful bite.

Home cooks love how simple it is to craft this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Robust flavors emerge from basic pantry staples, making meal preparation a breeze.

No complicated techniques or exotic ingredients stand between you and a satisfying dinner.

With minimal effort, you’ll serve a crowd-pleasing meal that sparks conversation and brings smiles around the table.

Dive into this recipe and watch culinary magic unfold before your eyes.

Reasons to Love Quick Easy Chili

• Savor Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic Southern dish that brings warmth and nostalgia with every crispy bite, perfect for those craving a taste of traditional home cooking.
• Master Simple Cooking Skills: Learn an easy technique of dredging and frying that builds confidence in the kitchen, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy appetizer or side dish.
• Enjoy Versatile Serving Options: Serve these golden-brown tomato slices as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a side dish for barbecues, or a delightful addition to brunch spreads that everyone will love.
• Transform Unripe Tomatoes: Cleverly turn green, unripe tomatoes into a delicious meal, reducing food waste and creating a crispy, flavorful treat that surprises and delights taste buds.

Ingredients Needed for Quick Easy Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides richness and substance to the chili.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: These aromatic vegetables add depth and sweetness to the chili's overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: A classic seasoning that enhances the savory notes of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provide a tangy and slightly acidic foundation for the chili.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds smoothness and helps create a thick, rich consistency.
• Beef Broth: Contributes additional depth and enhances the meaty flavor of the chili.

• Beans: A classic chili ingredient that adds protein, texture, and hearty substance to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: These spices create the signature warm and complex flavor of traditional chili.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.

• Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Delicious garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the finished chili.

How to Prepare Quick Easy Chili

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned. Drain away any extra fat to keep your chili lean and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Companions

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their amazing aromas.

Step 3: Create The Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beans
• Beef broth

Stir everything together to create a rich, robust foundation for your chili.

Step 4: Sprinkle In Magical Spices

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix the spices thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with incredible taste.

Step 5: Simmer And Develop Flavors

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently.

Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to mingle and create a mouth-watering masterpiece.

Step 6: Dress Up Your Chili

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions

Enjoy your restaurant-quality chili right at home!

Pro Tips for Quick Easy Chili

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier chili.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding crushed red pepper flakes for spice lovers.
• Enhance flavor by sautéing vegetables until they caramelize slightly before adding other ingredients.
• For vegetarian option, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like black beans and kidney beans.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to make cooking process smoother and more efficient during busy weeknights.

Flavor Variations for Quick Easy Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like black and kidney beans for protein-packed alternative.
• Turkey Chili: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for lighter, lower-fat version that's equally hearty and flavorful.
• Slow Cooker Chili: Transfer ingredients to slow cooker after browning meat, cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, richer flavor development.
• Spicy Mexican Chili: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and extra chili powder for intense heat and authentic southwestern taste profile.

Serving Suggestions for Quick Easy Chili

• Cozy Game Night Feast: Ladle this hearty chili into individual bread bowls for a fun, interactive dinner experience that transforms a simple meal into a memorable gathering.
• Tailgate Party Spread: Serve chili in small cups with mini cornbread muffins and assorted toppings, creating a perfect shareable snack for sports fans and casual get-togethers.
• Loaded Chili Nachos: Transform leftovers by spreading chili over crispy tortilla chips, topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that packs a flavor punch.
• Southwestern Comfort Bowl: Layer chili over fluffy white rice, garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a complete one-bowl meal that brings warmth and zest to your dinner table.

Storage Advice for Quick Easy Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Move frozen chili to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, safe thawing. Alternatively, use the microwave's defrost setting for quick reheating.
• Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of beef broth if the mixture seems too thick, ensuring even heating throughout.

FAQs

• What type of beans work best in this chili recipe?

Kidney beans or pinto beans are perfect for this recipe. They hold their shape well and add great texture and protein to the dish.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes! Add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat level. Start with a small amount and adjust to your spice preference.

• Is it okay to use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works great in this chili recipe. It will provide similar flavor and protein content while being a bit healthier.

• How can I make this chili more hearty?

Add extra vegetables like diced zucchini or corn, or include a second type of bean. You can also increase the amount of ground meat for a more substantial meal.

Quick Easy Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Homemade Chili brings robust flavors from classic Mexican-American cuisine to your dinner table. Spicy ground beef, rich tomatoes, and aromatic spices create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (lb) or 454 grams ground beef
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces or 227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (tbsps) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a substantial cooking vessel over medium-high temperature and brown ground beef thoroughly, ensuring complete elimination of excess grease.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic garlic into the pot, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender.
3. Gently introduce diced tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, hearty beans, and savory beef broth into the mixture, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Enhance the flavor profile by generously sprinkling chili powder, robust cumin, smoky paprika, along with appropriate salt and pepper seasoning.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, letting the chili develop deep flavors for approximately 20-25 minutes while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Once cooking is complete, ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls and embellish with classic garnishes such as shredded cheese, dollops of cool sour cream, or freshly chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize meat choices by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat or reducing for mild preferences.
• Enhance texture and nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini during the sautéing stage.
• Maximize flavor development by letting the chili simmer longer, which allows spices and ingredients to meld together more deeply.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg