Easy Weeknight Chili
This easy chili recipe comes together in as little as 30 minutes with basic pantry staples like canned beans and tomatoes, spices you probably have already, and ground beef. It’s hearty, delicious and perfect for any night of the week!
Anytime I’ve searched for a homemade chili recipe online I’m discouraged by very long ingredient lists, or unique additions I don’t always have on hand. Isn’t chili supposed to be easy and straightforward?
Well, now it is! I’ve gone ahead and created this recipe for those of us looking for a really great tasting chili without a lot of fuss. This truly has been a family-favorite recipe for years, and I know you will love it as much as we do!
Table of Contents
- What's to love about this "weeknight" chili
- Ingredients you'll need
- How to make this easy chili recipe
- Chili toppings and serving suggestions
- Flavor variations
- Recipe FAQs
- Get the easy chili recipe
What’s to love about this “weeknight” chili
Here’s why this might just be the best chili recipe:
- Basic ingredients only! If you have a well-stocked pantry, you might even have most of what you need. No surprises here.
- I mean it when I say “easy”! This recipe is basically just browning meat and onions, opening up cans and dumping them in, and then simmering until thickened and combined.
- Done in 30 minutes! So it really is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Ground beef
- Fresh onions and minced garlic
- Canned diced tomatoes (I like fire-roasted tomatoes)
- Canned tomato sauce
- Canned pinto beans and kidney beans
- Beef broth (it can be canned broth, but I like the ease of Better Than Bouillon too)
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Brown sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Your favorite chili toppings
(Look for the full recipe with ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.)
How to make this easy chili recipe
- Brown ground beef. Browned, caramelized beef means bigger flavor, so don’t be shy. Let it brown completely on the bottom before stirring, then let it brown, stirring more frequently so it cooks through evenly.
- Add onions and garlic. Reduce heat and cook onions until soft, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in broth, tomatoes, beans and spices. Basically, just add everything else into the pot, bring to a boil and simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour or more on very low heat. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, but it will be delicious even after 15 minutes.
- Serve. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Chili toppings and serving suggestions
Serve this easy weeknight chili however you like! Here are just a few suggestions:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Diced green onions/scallions
- Tortilla chips
- Cornbread or biscuits, served on the side
- Use this chili as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes
Flavor variations
Chili is extremely adaptable, and this classic chili recipe is no different!
- Use ground turkey or leave out meat altogether for a vegetarian option.
- Use other beans like black beans. I’ve used 2 kinds of beans here but you can use all of just one, or any other combination.
- Add roasted diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash. Other veggies you can add are corn, kale, bell peppers, jalapeno or poblano peppers.
- Add other spices like smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Recipe FAQs
I recommend browning the meat on the stovetop (or in your slow cooker if you have a sauté function). Then everything else can be added to the slow cooker and cooked on low for about 4 hours or on high for about 2 hours.
This chili will sit very well on the stove, or in a slow cooker on the warm setting, for up to 4 hours, just make sure to stir it every now and then. You can also make it farther in advance and store it in the fridge for about 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Then reheat over the stove or in a slow cooker before serving.
Get the easy chili recipe
Easy Weeknight Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 lb ground beef (I use 85% fat)
- 1 teaspoon salt , plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 onion , chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 cup beef broth (or 1 14-oz can)
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 15 oz can pinto beans , drained
- 15 oz can red kidney beans , drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon light or dark brown sugar
Suggested toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil or butter. Add ground beef, season with half of the salt and all of the pepper, and cook until well-browned, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer meat to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
- Reduce heat to low and add onions. Season with the rest of the salt. Cook until onions have softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for one minute more.
- Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto and kidney beans, chili powder, cumin and brown sugar. Add the browned beef back into the pot along with the remaining salt.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for at least about 20 minutes, until thickened. Add more salt to taste if needed. If you have more time, keep simmering on low heat (up to no more than 4 hours total) and stir occasionally.
- Serve with desired toppings and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Slow cooker instructions: Cook ground beef, onions and garlic as directed. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Recipe was originally published September 2018.
This is now my favorite chili recipe and I love chili. Easy and delicious! We especially love a small dab of sour cream on top and some fresh chopped onions. Yum yum
This is my go to after Christmas family get together meal. I make a double batch and freeze it ahead of time. Everyone loves it!
So happy to hear that, thanks for the feedback Nancy!
Doesn’t say when to add ground beef back in!
I like how you explain to let ground beef come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking when making chili. My dad told me that he would like to make a nice dinner for my mom but he does not know what to make for her. I will tell him to look for a good quality chili so they can enjoy time at home while eating a warm meal.