Chili is a classic dish that warms the heart and satisfies the stomach. A bowl of quick easy chili is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or any time you crave a comforting meal. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a delicious pot of chili in no time!
Why Make This Recipe
Making this quick easy chili recipe is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it’s straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of cooking experience. You can have it on the table in less than an hour! Second, it’s filling, nutritious, and loaded with flavors that everyone will love. Lastly, it’s incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
How to Make Quick Easy Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons chili seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 27 oz can chili beans (do not drain or rinse)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped onions
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Avocado
Directions:
- In a Dutch oven or large deep-sided pot, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Add the ground beef and simmer over medium heat, breaking up any large pieces of meat as it cooks. If there is a lot of grease, drain it before moving on.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chili seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue to simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the chili beans to the pot, stir well, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with all your favorite toppings!
How to Serve Quick Easy Chili
Serve your chili hot in bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings. Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, and avocado are all great options for making your chili even more delicious.
How to Store Quick Easy Chili
You can store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Quick Easy Chili
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or corn during the cooking process.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper according to your taste.
- If you want a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
Variation
You can easily make this chili recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or additional veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
- Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.
- What can I serve with chili?
- Chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for dipping.
- Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
- Absolutely! Just brown the meat and onions, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Enjoy making and sharing this quick easy chili recipe with your friends and family!
Quick Easy Chili
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons chili seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 27 oz can chili beans (do not drain or rinse)
Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped onions
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Avocado
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a Dutch oven or large deep-sided pot, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Add the ground beef and simmer over medium heat, breaking up any large pieces of meat as it cooks. If there is a lot of grease, drain it before moving on.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chili seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue to simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the chili beans to the pot, stir well, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with all your favorite toppings!
