Easy Chili Recipe

This Easy Chili Recipe is packed with tender ground beef, bold spices, beans, and savory broth. It delivers the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and comforting flavors. In under 30 minutes, you'll have a rich and thick chili that tastes like it simmered all day.

If you're craving more ground beef recipes, then try making an Easy Hamburger Casserole or Old Fashioned Hamburger Gravy. For another chili recipe, make a pot of White Chicken Chili. 

This easy stovetop chili recipe is a weeknight game-changer!

In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a rich and thick chili that tastes like it simmered all day, ideal for those chilly evenings when you need something warm and satisfying fast.

Top it off with your favorite fresh herbs, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate cozy dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving leftovers, this foolproof recipe will quickly become your go-to!

Let's get started!

Why You'll Love This Chili Recipe 

• Stovetop - This chili is easy to make right on the stovetop, making it a quick meal without special equipment or long cooking times. 
• Flavorful - Packed with bold spices and hearty ingredients, this chili delivers deep layers of flavor that develop as it simmers. 
• Comforting - Perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm, comforting meal, this chili is like a bowl of coziness, bringing a sense of home in every bite. 

Classic Chili Recipe Ingredients 

1. Ground Beef - Any pound of ground beef mix you prefer will work for this recipe. I love using lean ground beef or chuck with an 80/20 fat ratio. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or a mix of ground beef and ground Italian sausage could be used as a substitute. This helps to form the base of the chili. 
2. Diced Tomatoes - A single can of diced tomatoes is all that's needed. You can use any brand or flavor combination that you prefer, but I love using fire-roasted tomatoes to make chili to add a bit of smoky flavor. 
3. Beans - This is controversial, but I prefer to add a can of beans to chili. If you do not think beans belong in chili, then feel free to omit them. You can use kidney beans (light or dark), pinto beans, chili beans (my favorite), or black beans.
4. Onion - Dice some white onion or any yellow onion that you prefer. Red onion can be used as well. Adds an earthy and slightly sweet aromatic flavor. 
5. Green Bell Pepper - Use chopped bell peppers to add a slightly sweet and peppery flavor. Yellow or red pepper could be substituted. 
6. Garlic - Adds intense and earthy flavor to form the base of the chili. Feel free to use more or jar garlic instead of fresh. 
7. Tomato Paste - This gives the chili a slightly tart and savory flavor. It also helps to thicken the chili a bit. 
8. Chili Seasoning - You may opt to use any chili seasoning blend that you prefer, but I have a recipe to make a homemade blend of chili seasoning. To make it yourself, which is what I highly recommend, you will need salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and sugar. 
9. Ground Cinnamon - This may seem a bit weird if you've never tried it but trust me, this is the secret ingredient to make great chili. It's a warming spice that balances the spicy flavors in the chili without making it sweet. I promise your chili will not taste like cinnamon!
10. Beef Broth - Helps to form the soup base of the recipe. Keep in mind this chili recipe is on the thicker side. You may substitute with water and beef bouillon, chicken broth, or vegetable broth. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

How to Make Easy Beef Chili 

Begin the recipe by placing a large pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat or oil. Remove it from the pot into a separate bowl and set aside. 

To the same pot add some oil and allow it to heat. Add the onion, green pepper, and garlic. Allow it to saute until it begins to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Return the cooked ground beef back to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and beans.

Sprinkle in the chili seasoning mix, ground cinnamon, and give it a good stir with a wooden spoon. 

Add the tomato paste, and beef broth, and stir to combine.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and allow it to simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. Carefully remove the lid and serve warm.

Top it with some sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions. My favorite way to serve it is with hot sauce and cornbread. Enjoy!

Our Favorite Toppings

​Chili is great on its own, but adding toppings can really take it to the next level. When making a big pot, I love having different options so everyone can customize their bowl to their preference. 

• Cheese - Any cheddar cheese will work, but I prefer to use a sharp cheddar cheese or mild cheddar cheese. Smokey gouda and pepper jack for a little more spice are great options. 
• Onion - Freshly chopped red onion or green onion (scallions) add more color and earthly flavor. 
• Slice Jalapenos - Freshly sliced jalapenos or pickled jalapenos provide additional spicy flavor. 
• Sour Cream - Provides creaminess and balance to the spicy chili. 
• Fresh Herbs - Sprinkle on some freshly chopped herbs right before serving for some fresh herb flavor. Cilantro, parsley, chives, and oregano will all pair well with chili. 
• Avocado - Dice up some avocado and add on top before serving for a creamy and mild flavor, plus additional fiber. 
• Tortilla Chips or Strips - Crispy and salty flavor. Dip tortilla chips in the chili or top it with some tortilla strips. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks 

• Brown your meat in the pot first. Make sure to break up the meat and let it cook until it's fully browned before adding other ingredients for a richer flavor. 
• Use your favorite type of beans. Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans. I prefer to use chili beans because they're loaded with additional seasoning and usually contain tomato sauce. 
• Chili gets better with time, simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. If you can make it a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight, this will intensify the flavors. 
• Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You may need to add additional salt, ground black pepper, and chili powder. 
• If you like spicy chili, then add some cayenne pepper, jalapeno peppers, fresh chilies, or hot sauce. 
• This recipe creates a thick and chunky chili, if you prefer a chili that is thinner and soupier, try adding more beef broth or water. 

Storage Tips 

Storage. If you have any leftover chili, allow it time to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The hearty chili is even better the next day. 

Reheating. When you're ready to serve the leftovers again, reheat them in a saucepan at medium heat on the stovetop until warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave in a microwave-safe container for about 1-2 minutes. 

Freezing. This chili can also be stored in the freezer if you need a longer storage time. Place in an airtight freezer-safe container for 1 to 2 months. When you're ready to serve the chili, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or you can reheat it from frozen as well.

Want More Quick and Easy Soup Recipes? Try These:

• Easy White Chicken Chili
• Easy Hibachi Soup 
• Lasagna Soup Recipe 
• One Pot Chicken Noodle Soup 
• Italian Sausage and Bean Soup 
• Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes 
• Potato Kale and Sausage Soup 

Do you have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy this Easy Homemade Chili? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe