Name: Ultimate Easy Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 1/2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

When I need something hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, I always turn to my Ultimate Easy Chili. This recipe is the kind of meal that brings people together — whether it’s for a cozy night in, a game day spread, or meal prep for the week. It’s rich, bold, and balanced with just the right kick of spice. The best part? It comes together with pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients.

I love how flexible this chili is. Sometimes I keep it classic with ground beef and kidney beans, other times I swap in ground turkey or toss in some smoky chipotle peppers for added depth. It’s one of those recipes that works hard for you — simple enough for a beginner, yet flavorful enough to impress a crowd. And the leftovers? They’re even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Easy Chili

This chili is the definition of comfort food with minimal effort. The rich tomato base, perfectly seasoned meat, and tender beans make every bite deeply satisfying. It’s one-pot, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this chili is ready to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use?

Ground beef is the traditional go-to, especially an 80/20 blend for a balance of flavor and fat. But don’t feel limited — ground turkey or chicken also work beautifully if you’re after a leaner version. You could even use a plant-based meat substitute if you’re going for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to brown the meat well for that deep, caramelized flavor that sets a good chili apart.

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about chili is how adaptable it is. Not a fan of kidney beans? Swap them out for black beans or pinto beans. Want more veggies? Add corn, zucchini, or even sweet potato for extra heartiness. Don’t have crushed tomatoes? Diced tomatoes with a bit of tomato paste work just fine. And for a smoky kick, toss in a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.

Ingredients for this Ultimate Easy Chili

Ground Beef (80/20) – This provides richness and depth. Browning it first gives the chili its meaty, savory base.

Kidney Beans – They soak up flavor and add texture and protein. Use canned for ease, or dried if you have time.

Green Bell Pepper – Adds a fresh crunch and slight sweetness that balances the spices.

Yellow Onion – A classic foundation for flavor. Sautéed until translucent to create a savory base.

Garlic – Freshly minced for bold, aromatic depth.

Canned Diced Tomatoes – The juicy body of the chili, adding tang and thickness.

Tomato Paste – Concentrates the flavor and gives the chili its hearty consistency.

Beef Broth – Enhances the savory depth and keeps everything saucy and stew-like.

Chili Powder – The main spice, lending warmth and that signature chili flavor.

Ground Cumin – Adds a smoky, earthy note to complement the chili powder.

Paprika – For subtle sweetness and extra color. Smoked paprika is especially good.

Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.

Olive Oil – For sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot with the vegetables. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until it’s no longer pink. This step builds flavor through browning, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to develop its richness. Then pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything to combine.

Step 4: Season the Chili

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Let the spices bloom in the heat for a minute or two.

Step 5: Add Beans and Broth

Drain and rinse the kidney beans, then add them to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and give everything a good stir. This creates the hearty, stew-like consistency of chili.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will deepen and meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, spice, or a dash of hot sauce if you like extra heat. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips.

How Long to Prepare the Ultimate Easy Chili

This chili fits perfectly into a weeknight dinner schedule while also being worthy of a weekend batch cooking session. It takes around 45 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time being hands-off simmering.

Prep Time: Chopping the onions, peppers, and garlic takes about 10–15 minutes. If you’re using canned beans and tomatoes, that saves you even more time.

Cooking Time: Browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables takes 10–12 minutes, and the final simmering takes about 25–30 minutes. Enough time for all the flavors to meld without needing hours on the stove.

Tips for Perfect Chili

Toast the spices in the pan for a minute before adding liquids. It deepens their flavor.
Simmer low and slow to let the ingredients blend beautifully.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven to avoid scorching.
Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving — the flavor intensifies as it cools slightly.
Customize toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, scallions, or jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the pot when browning meat: It’ll steam instead of sear. Brown in batches if necessary.
Not draining excess fat (if using higher-fat beef): It can make the chili greasy.
Skipping seasoning adjustments: Always taste before serving.
Boiling instead of simmering: Boiling can break down textures and overcook beans.
Using raw beans without pre-soaking: They’ll stay hard and undercooked.

What to Serve With Ultimate Easy Chili?

Cornbread

Soft, slightly sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the hearty, spicy chili.

Tortilla Chips

Crunchy, salty chips make a great scoop for every bite.

Rice

A warm bed of white or brown rice makes the chili even more filling.

Baked Potatoes

Top a fluffy baked potato with chili for an ultra-comforting twist.

Side Salad

A fresh green salad adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the bold chili.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. The flavors only get better the next day!

Freezing: Chili freezes incredibly well. Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen on the stovetop over low heat.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You can also microwave individual servings, covered, for 2–3 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving — based on 6 servings)

Calories: ~380
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 7g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 780mg
Sugar: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this chili?

It’s mild to medium by default. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for a plant-based meat substitute or more beans and veggies.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

How can I thicken my chili?

Simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes, or mash a few beans to naturally thicken the texture.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely. Just make sure your pot is large enough to hold the extra volume, and adjust seasoning to taste.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Easy Chili is everything you want in a go-to chili recipe: bold, balanced, comforting, and endlessly flexible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or freezing portions for future meals, this recipe delivers every time. It’s cozy, filling, and layered with flavor — a true kitchen staple you’ll return to again and again.