Hearty Weeknight Easy Chili Recipe (Print Version)

Make this comforting Easy Chili Recipe a staple! Hearty, flavorful, and simple to whip up for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Beef, Dairy (optional toppings)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 1 large bell pepper (any color), chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
06 - 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
07 - 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
08 - 3 cups beef broth

→ Flavor Builders

09 - 2 tbsp chili powder
10 - 1 tbsp ground cumin
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
13 - 1 tsp brown sugar
14 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

16 - Shredded cheddar cheese
17 - Sour cream
18 - Fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Optional Extras

19 - Cornbread, for serving
20 - Sliced jalapeños
21 - Hot sauce

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven and get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want to brown it really well, getting some nice crispy bits – that's where a lot of the flavor starts, honestly. Once it's mostly browned, drain off any excess fat (unless you’re like me and leave a tiny bit for extra richness!). Then, throw in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté those until they soften, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Oh, the smell at this stage is just fantastic, the kitchen already starts to feel warm and inviting.
02 - Now for the good stuff! Push the beef and veggies to one side of the pot and add your minced garlic and tomato paste to the cleared spot. Let that tomato paste cook for about a minute, stirring it into the garlic, until it darkens slightly and smells fragrant. This step is crucial for deepening the tomato flavor, don't rush it! Next, sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir those spices into everything for another minute, letting them toast a bit. This really wakes them up. I remember once I just dumped them in without toasting, and the chili tasted…flat. Lesson learned, oops!
03 - Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Add your rinsed kidney and pinto beans, then stir in that tiny pinch of brown sugar. Give everything a good stir, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it do its thing for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, I let mine go for an hour, sometimes even longer if I have time, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more those flavors meld and deepen. It’s where the magic happens, watching it bubble away!
04 - After simmering, take a peek. The chili should be thick and bubbling, with all those beautiful spices creating a rich, deep color. Now, it's time to taste! This is important. Add salt and black pepper to your liking. Remember that splash of apple cider vinegar? Stir that in now. It really brightens up the whole dish and cuts through the richness, trust me. I always forget this step and then add it in at the very last minute, muttering to myself. Don't be like me!
05 - Ladle generous portions of your delicious Easy Chili Recipe into bowls. This is where you get to be creative with your toppings! I love a big sprinkle of freshly grated cheddar, a dollop of cool sour cream, and a scattering of fresh cilantro. Sometimes, if I'm feeling fancy, I'll add some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. It’s all about making it your own, honestly. Don't be shy with the cheese, it’s chili after all!
06 - There you have it! A truly satisfying, deeply flavorful Easy Chili Recipe ready to warm you from the inside out. The aroma alone is enough to make you happy, but that first spoonful? Pure bliss. It should be thick, hearty, with a beautiful balance of spice and richness. This dish is perfect for a chilly evening, a casual gathering, or just when you need a little bit of comfort. You've earned this, honestly, after all that delicious kitchen chaos!

# Notes:

01 - Always toast your spices for a minute before adding liquids; it wakes up their flavor like crazy, a trick I learned the hard way.\nDon't rush the simmering! The longer this chili cooks, the more complex and delicious it becomes.\nTaste and adjust seasoning *at the end*. Salt levels change as things reduce, so a final check is key.\nFor an extra layer of smoky flavor, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced, to your spices.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - measuring spoons and cups

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 30-40g

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