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Classic No Fuss Chili Recipe

4.5 from 131 reviews

This Classic No Fuss Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Featuring ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it simmers to perfection in a large pot, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich, robust flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium white onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Canned Goods

  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 (4.5 ounce) cans diced green chiles

Additional Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup finely crushed tortilla chips
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, additional crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  2. Add onions: After the beef is browned, add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
  3. Add spices and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to combine the flavors.
  4. Add liquids and beans: Pour in the beef broth, add the rinsed kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer the chili: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 45-60 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  6. Thicken the chili: Remove the lid and stir in the crushed tortilla chips. Allow the chili to rest uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken.
  7. Serve: Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and additional crushed tortilla chips as desired.

Notes

  • For a spicier chili, add more diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Adjust the thickness of the chili by adding more crushed tortilla chips or simmering longer to reduce liquid.
  • Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.

Keywords: classic chili, ground beef chili, kidney bean chili, easy chili recipe, stovetop chili