Name: Quick Easy Chili Recipe on Stove Top
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup water or beef broth; Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños

Craving a comforting, hearty meal but short on time? This Quick and Easy Chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and simple pantry spices, this chili comes together in just 30 minutes on the stovetop. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and sure to satisfy the whole family. Follow this step-by-step guide to whip up a delicious pot of chili in no time.

What Is Quick and Easy Chili?

Quick and Easy Chili is a simplified version of the classic chili, made with basic ingredients like ground beef, canned beans, and tomatoes, simmered together with chili powder and other seasonings. It’s a one-pot meal that delivers bold, comforting flavors without hours of cooking time. You can make it mild or spicy, and it’s perfect for a weeknight meal or casual gatherings.

Ingredients List for Quick and Easy Chili

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful chili:

For the Chili:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or black beans or pinto beans)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with or without green chilies)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup beef broth or water (optional, to adjust thickness)

Optional Toppings:

Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chopped green onions
Sliced jalapeños
Fresh cilantro
Tortilla chips

Substitutions and Variations

Chili is easy to adapt to your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

Meat options: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute instead of ground beef.
Beans: You can use any beans you prefer, like black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of different beans.
Spice level: Add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños for extra heat, or use mild chili powder for a kid-friendly version.
Tomatoes: For a richer chili, use fire-roasted tomatoes or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make a quick and easy chili on your stovetop:

How to Cook Quick and Easy Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Brown the beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Season the chili: Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika (if using), 1 teaspoon oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Beans

Stir in the tomatoes and beans: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and kidney beans to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
Adjust thickness: If the chili looks too thick, add ½ cup beef broth or water to thin it out slightly. For a thicker chili, skip the broth.

Step 5: Simmer the Chili

Simmer for 15 minutes: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors come together quickly.
Taste and adjust: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls: Serve the chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños.
Serve with sides: Pair the chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not draining the excess fat: If your ground beef has a high fat content, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning. This prevents the chili from becoming too greasy.
Skipping the simmering time: Even though this is a quick chili, it still needs about 15 minutes to simmer and let the flavors develop. Don’t rush this step!
Overcrowding with toppings: While chili toppings are fun and delicious, adding too many at once can overwhelm the flavors. Stick to a few favorites for the best balance.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chili is a comforting dish, but with a few presentation touches, it can look as good as it tastes. Here’s how to serve your chili:

How to Serve Quick and Easy Chili

In bowls: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
With cornbread: Serve chili alongside a warm slice of cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal.
Chili bar: For a party or family meal, set up a chili bar with bowls of toppings like cheese, jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, and tortilla chips, so everyone can customize their bowl.

Presentation Ideas for Quick and Easy Chili

Colorful toppings: Brighten up the bowl with colorful toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or chopped cilantro.
Serve in bread bowls: For a fun presentation, serve the chili in hollowed-out bread bowls.
Garnish with lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime adds brightness to the chili and looks great as a garnish.

Quick and Easy Chili Recipe Tips

Make it ahead: Chili often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can make it a day ahead and simply reheat when ready to serve.
Double the recipe: This chili freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for later. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Adjust the spice level: If you’re serving chili to kids or those who prefer mild flavors, use less chili powder and skip the optional spices like cayenne or jalapeños.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and add more beans or use a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to bulk it up.

How do I store and reheat leftover chili?

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual servings.

Can I freeze chili?

Absolutely! Chili freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve.

What can I serve with chili?

Chili pairs well with a variety of sides like cornbread, tortilla chips, garlic bread, or even over a bed of rice or pasta for a heartier meal.

Conclusion

This Quick and Easy Chili recipe is the perfect solution when you want a hearty, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours of cooking. With ground beef, beans, and a few pantry staples, you can have a delicious pot of chili ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, game day, or any time you need a bowl of comfort, this chili is sure to satisfy.