Pin It A hearty, flavorful chili packed with ground beef, beans, and warming spices—perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal. Ready in under an hour!
This simple weeknight chili has quickly become a family favorite whenever we want something cozy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can
- Kidney beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Tomato paste: 1 (6 oz / 170 g) can
- Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml) low sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- Chili powder: 2 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp optional for heat
- Salt: 1 tsp or to taste
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 2:
- Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 3:
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables in the spices.
- Step 4:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 5:
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 6:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 8:
- Serve hot with desired toppings.
Pin It Sharing this chili around our dinner table always brings warmth and lively conversation to our family evenings.
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, cutting board, chefs knife, wooden spoon or spatula, can opener
Allergen Information
Contains None of the major allergens if prepared as listed. Toppings such as cheese and sour cream contain dairy. Double check canned goods for cross contamination if gluten sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Calories 410. Total Fat 14 g. Carbohydrates 38 g. Protein 32 g per serving.
Pin It Enjoy your flavorful chili as a quick weeknight meal or prep extra to enjoy for lunches throughout the week.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans or chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
- → How long does the chili take to cook?
The total cooking time is about 40 minutes, with preparation taking around 15 minutes, making it ready in under an hour.
- → What are good toppings for this chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for heat.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Modify the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper according to your preferred heat level.
- → What sides complement this chili well?
Serve with cornbread or steamed rice to create a heartier meal and balance the robust flavors.