Need a hearty meal in a hurry? This Quick and Easy Chili Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. This chili is made with simple ingredients, comes together in about 30 minutes, and is packed with bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this chili is sure to become a go-to favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!
What is Chili?
Chili is a flavorful stew traditionally made with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. There are countless variations of chili, ranging from mild to spicy, meaty to vegetarian. This Quick and Easy Chili Recipe sticks to classic ingredients like ground beef, onions, garlic, kidney beans, and chili powder, all simmered together for a flavorful, comforting dish that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients List for Quick and Easy Chili
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (optional, or substitute with pinto beans)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ½ cup beef or chicken broth (or water, for added moisture)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
Substitutions and Variations
Chili is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make adjustments to fit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian chili, leave out the meat and add more beans, such as chickpeas, or diced vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Bean Options: If you don’t have kidney beans, feel free to use pinto beans, black beans, or a combination of both.
- Spice Level: For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a mild chili, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it entirely.
- Tomato Options: If you like a chunkier texture, use crushed tomatoes instead of diced. For a deeper, richer flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Low-Carb Option: Omit the beans for a lower-carb version of this chili. You can also replace beans with extra vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Quick and Easy Chili Recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a fast and flavorful meal.
- Heat the Oil:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. - Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. - Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant. - Add the Tomatoes and Beans:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, and black beans (if using). Stir to combine. - Season the Chili:
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. - Simmer the Chili:
Pour in the broth (or water) to give the chili a little more moisture. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the chili cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. - Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more chili powder for extra heat, or salt and pepper to taste. - Serve Hot:
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
How to Cook Quick and Easy Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat
Heat the oil and brown the ground beef (or turkey) in the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Browning the meat well is key to building flavor in your chili. - Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onions and garlic to the pot. Sautéing them with the beef adds depth and sweetness to the dish, balancing out the spices and acidity from the tomatoes. - Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans. These ingredients are the base of the chili, adding heartiness and texture. - Step 4: Season the Chili
Add the chili powder, cumin, and other spices. These will give your chili its signature smoky, savory flavor. Adjust the spice level based on your preference. - Step 5: Simmer to Let Flavors Develop
Let the chili simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. - Step 6: Taste and Serve
Before serving, taste the chili to see if it needs any additional seasoning. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Browning the Meat: Be sure to brown the ground meat properly before adding the other ingredients. This step adds depth to the flavor.
- Skipping the Simmer: Don’t rush the simmering process. Even though this is a quick chili, letting it simmer for 15-20 minutes helps all the flavors come together.
- Under-seasoning: Chili can be bland if you’re shy with the seasoning. Be sure to taste and adjust as needed throughout the cooking process.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Classic Toppings: Serve your chili with a variety of toppings, like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onions, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or crackers for a full, satisfying meal.
- Chili Bar: For a fun twist, set up a chili bar where everyone can customize their bowl with different toppings like avocados, cheese, onions, and more.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Chili
- Traditional Bowl: Serve the chili in bowls, topped with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs.
- Over Rice or Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the chili over rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes.
- Chili Dogs or Nachos: Use the chili as a topping for hot dogs or nachos for a fun, casual meal.
Presentation Ideas for Quick and Easy Chili
- Individual Bowls: Serve the chili in individual bowls and garnish each one with fresh toppings like cilantro, diced onions, or a drizzle of sour cream for a colorful presentation.
- Bread Bowls: For an extra-special touch, serve the chili in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and hearty presentation.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar where people can customize their chili with options like grated cheese, tortilla chips, and jalapeños.
Quick and Easy Chili Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezer-Friendly: Chili freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready to serve.
- Spice it Up: If you like your chili spicy, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño for some heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use different beans?
A: Yes! Feel free to use pinto beans, black beans, or even a combination of different beans. Just make sure they are drained and rinsed before adding them to the chili.
Q: Can I make this chili vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and add more beans or vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough pot to hold everything.
Conclusion
This Quick and Easy Chili Recipe is the perfect go-to meal when you need something hearty, comforting, and fast. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful, satisfying chili on the table in 30 minutes. Whether you're feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just want a simple weeknight dinner, this chili recipe is sure to please. So grab your pot and get cooking—you’re just minutes away from enjoying a bowl of warm, comforting
chili!
PrintQuick Easy Chili Recipe on Stove Top Recipe
This quick and easy chili recipe is perfect for busy nights, combining ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices in one pot. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, this chili delivers rich, hearty flavors in just 30 minutes. With simple pantry ingredients like kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chili powder, it's a comforting meal that's fast to prepare and easy to customize. Serve with your favorite toppings for a satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- Diced tomatoes (with juice)
- Tomato sauce
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Cheddar cheese (shredded, for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and kidney beans. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
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