This Easy Ground Beef Chili is a culinary hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for busy evenings. You’ll crave something hearty and satisfying. It has a rich, savory aroma when it simmers. This promises deep flavor without fuss. Tender ground beef blends with a robust tomato base. Warming spices create a comforting meal. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
This dish tastes even better the next day. It’s ideal for meal prep. Enjoying leftovers is a treat. This recipe uses pantry staples. You probably have them on hand. A delicious dinner is always within reach. This flavorful chili is straightforward for any cook.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Easy Ground Beef Chili is a weeknight warrior!
- Super Quick: Ready in about an hour. Prep time is minimal.
- Flavorful: A perfect spice balance. It’s deeply satisfying.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with toppings. Make it your own!
- Hearty & Comforting: The ultimate cozy meal. Perfect for any occasion.
Easy Ground Beef Chili Ingredients
The magic of this Easy Ground Beef Chili truly shines. It uses simple pantry staples. Warming spices add delightful notes. It’s a symphony of savory flavors. Tangy and subtly smoky notes combine. This creates a deeply comforting dish indeed.
Core Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: This forms the hearty foundation. It provides a rich, savory base. It gives a satisfying texture you’ll love. We use 80/20 lean for the best results.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build depth. They add savory complexity to the chili. Their fragrance fills the kitchen beautifully.
- Crushed & Diced Tomatoes: These are the essential liquid base. They offer tanginess to the chili. They also give it body and wonderful richness.
- Kidney & Pinto Beans: These legumes add fiber. They also bring protein and a pleasing texture. They make the chili wonderfully hearty.
- Green Chilies: These contribute mild heat. They add a pleasant warmth you’ll enjoy. They offer a subtle Southwestern flair.
- Beef Broth: This enhances the savory notes. It helps create the perfect chili consistency. It adds another layer of deliciousness.
- Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: This is our key spice blend. It defines the chili flavor. It offers warmth and earthy notes. Smoked paprika adds a lovely hint of smokiness.
Substitutions and Tips:
- Beans: Feel free to swap kidney and pinto beans. Black beans work perfectly too. Cannellini beans or even chickpeas are great alternatives.
- Heat: For more spice, increase cayenne pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it hot. For less heat, omit the cayenne.
- Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers or corn. These add extra color and texture. Sauté them with the onions for best flavor.
- Broth: Vegetable broth can be used. It offers a slightly different flavor profile. It’s a great option for any cook.
- Storage: Leftovers store beautifully. Use an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually improve over time!
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Chili
Let’s get cooking this easy ground beef chili! This recipe is straightforward. You’ll have a delicious meal ready soon. Follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Use medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon. Cook until nicely browned. Drain off excess fat. This keeps the chili from tasting greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook with the browned beef. Stir now and then. Cook until onions soften. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Next, add minced garlic. Cook for just one minute more. Make sure it becomes fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic!
Step 3: Add Liquids and Beans
Pour in crushed tomatoes. Add diced tomatoes with juice. Add rinsed kidney beans. Add rinsed pinto beans too. Pour in chopped green chilies. Use beef broth next. Stir everything well. Combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Stir in Spices
Now for the amazing flavor! Add chili powder. Add ground cumin. Add smoked paprika. Sprinkle in dried oregano. Add cayenne pepper if you like heat. Stir these spices well. Distribute them evenly. This quick chili is coming along!
Step 5: Simmer and Meld Flavors
Bring the chili to a simmer. Use medium heat for this. Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook for 30 minutes. For richer flavor, simmer longer. Up to an hour is great. Stir occasionally. This prevents sticking.
Slow cooking is key here. Flavors deepen and meld. This makes a truly delicious meal.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste your chili now. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust to your liking. Serve your Easy Ground Beef Chili hot. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream. Warm cornbread is a great side. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish!
How to Store Easy Ground Beef Chili
Store any leftover Easy Ground Beef Chili in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. This hearty chili freezes very well. Let it cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Heavy-duty freezer bags work great too. Frozen chili lasts up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then reheat before serving. Leftovers are truly a treat!
Tips for Success
- Quality Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef. It brings the best flavor. The texture is also superior.
- Don’t Rush Sautéing: Soften onions well. This builds a crucial flavor base. It makes a big difference.
- Simmer Time: Longer simmering means deeper flavor. Don’t skip this step if you can. It enhances the whole dish.
- Taste and Adjust: Always season at the end. Broth and tomatoes add salt. Taste before adding more salt.
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper. Suit your personal preference. Make it as spicy as you like.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Gather these simple tools. They make cooking easy.
- Large pot or Dutch oven is essential.
- A sturdy wooden spoon helps.
- Measuring cups and spoons are key.
- You’ll need a knife and cutting board.
- A reliable can opener is handy.
- A colander is useful for beans.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Toppings: Offer shredded cheddar cheese. Include cooling sour cream. Fresh cilantro adds brightness. Diced red onion offers a nice bite.
- Sides: Cornbread is a fantastic pairing. Crusty bread is also great. Try tortilla chips for dipping. A simple side salad adds freshness.
- Beverages: A cold beer complements the richness. Iced tea is refreshing. A glass of milk helps too.
- Presentation: Serve in individual bowls. This creates a cozy meal experience. Make it look inviting!
Easy Ground Beef Chili
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful ground beef chili recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cornbread (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chopped green chilies, and beef broth.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes (or longer for flavors to meld), stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a side of cornbread, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute other types of beans like black beans or cannellini beans.
- Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
