Easy Chili Recipe

Introduction

This easy chili recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. Packed with flavorful spices, tender ground beef, and a mix of beans, it comes together quickly and simmers to develop rich, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lb ground beef
• 2 (15-oz) cans diced tomatoes with liquid
• 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (4-oz) can green chiles with liquid
• 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup reduced sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 2 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 medium bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, green chiles, black beans, pinto beans, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Place the bay leaf in the middle of the pot if using.
5. Step 5: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, or hot sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with extra beans or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Add a diced bell pepper or corn for extra texture and sweetness.
• If you prefer a spicier chili, include chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Simmering the chili longer, up to 1.5 hours, can deepen the flavors even more.

Storage

Store chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

What toppings work best with this chili?

Popular toppings include sour cream, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, diced avocado, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and hot sauce. Customize to your taste!

Easy Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

This easy chili recipe combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a robust blend of spices to create a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Simmered to perfection in a large pot, this chili is comforting, filling, and versatile, easily customizable with your favorite toppings.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chili Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 large Onion, chopped
• 8 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 lb Ground beef
• 2 (15-oz) cans Diced tomatoes with liquid
• 1 (6-oz) can Tomato paste
• 1 (4-oz) can Green chiles with liquid
• 1 (15-oz) can Black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-oz) can Pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup Beef broth, reduced sodium
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup Chili powder
• 2 tbsp Cumin
• 1 tbsp Dried oregano
• 2 tsp Sea salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 medium Bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Sauté Onion: Warm the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, green chiles, black beans, pinto beans, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Add the bay leaf if using.
5. Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes to blend flavors and thicken the chili.
6. Final Touches and Serving: Remove the bay leaf. Serve the chili warm with optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, or hot sauce according to your preference.

Notes

• For a spicier chili, add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper with the spices.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans and omitting Worcestershire sauce.
• This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
• You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
• Adjust the thickness by simmering longer for thicker chili or adding more broth for a soupier consistency.

Keywords: easy chili recipe, ground beef chili, hearty chili, comfort food, one-pot chili