Simple Chili Recipe

Picture a steaming bowl of chili, its rich aroma wafting through the kitchen, enveloping you in warmth and comfort.

This simple chili recipe isn’t just easy to make but also a delightful way to indulge in hearty flavors with minimal effort.

As the ingredients meld together during simmering, they transform into a robust, flavorful dish that promises satisfaction in every bite.

Let’s bring this comforting dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup water

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Simple Chili Recipe, follow this timeline:

1. Reading the Recipe (5 minutes):
   • Before starting, spend approximately 5 minutes reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and tools.
2. Prep Work (10 minutes):
   • Chop the onion and green bell pepper.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Gather and measure out all spices and other ingredients.
3. Cooking Process (45 minutes total):
   • 0-5 minutes: Heat the large pot over medium heat and add ground beef.
   • 5-10 minutes: Cook the beef until browned, then remove excess fat.
   • 10-15 minutes: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper.
   • 15-20 minutes: Add crushed tomatoes and mix well.
   • 20-25 minutes: Stir in kidney beans, black beans, and water.
   • 25-30 minutes: Bring the mixture to a boil.
   • 30-45 minutes: Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Resting Time (10 minutes):
   • Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat the large pot over medium heat and add ground beef.

Cook the beef until browned, then remove excess fat.

Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the pot.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper.

Add crushed tomatoes and mix well.

Stir in kidney beans, black beans, and water.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Cornbread: A classic side that complements the chili’s savory flavors with its sweet and crumbly texture.
• Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of rice for an extra hearty and filling meal.
• Tortilla Chips: Use them for scooping the chili, adding a crunchy texture to each bite.
• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle on top of the chili for a melty, cheesy addition that enhances the dish’s richness.
• Sour Cream: Add a dollop on top for a creamy contrast to the chili’s spiciness.

Storage

To store chili, let it cool completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

To freeze chili, let it cool completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To reheat chili, place it in a pot on medium heat.

Stir occasionally until warmed through.

Alternatively, use a microwave.

Cover the dish and stir every minute to guarantee even heating.

Final Thoughts

This simple chili recipe is both flavorful and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a hearty meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

By following these instructions, you’ll have a delicious pot of chili ready in no time.

For those who enjoy experimenting, feel free to adjust the spices to cater to your taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Turkey Instead of Beef in This Chili Recipe?

You can substitute turkey for beef, maintaining the 1-pound measurement. Guarantee thorough browning to enhance flavor development. Adjust spices to complement turkey’s milder profile. Monitor liquid levels as turkey produces less fat, potentially requiring reduced water.

What Toppings Go Well With Chili?

You can enhance chili with toppings like 50 grams shredded cheddar cheese, 30 grams diced avocado, 15 grams chopped cilantro, 10 grams sour cream, or 5 grams sliced jalapeños. Precision in topping quantities guarantees balanced flavor and presentation.

How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?

Substitute 1 pound of plant-based ground meat or 1.5 cups of chopped mushrooms for the ground beef. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. Guarantee thorough sautéing of vegetables for ideal texture and taste enhancement.

Is It Possible to Double the Recipe for a Larger Group?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Make sure your pot’s capacity accommodates increased volume. Precisely double each ingredient’s quantity, maintaining proportional balance. Adjust simmering time slightly if needed to guarantee even cooking and flavor integration.

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?

You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned by using approximately 4 cups of peeled, chopped tomatoes. Make sure you cook them longer to break down effectively, enhancing flavor. Adjust seasoning as fresh tomatoes may vary in acidity.

Simple Chili Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
• 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
• 1 cup water

Instructions

 

• Heat the large pot over medium heat and add ground beef.
• Cook the beef until browned, then remove excess fat.
• Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the pot.
• Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper.
• Add crushed tomatoes and mix well.
• Stir in kidney beans, black beans, and water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, allow the chili to simmer longer if possible, as this will help the spices meld together and deepen the taste. Adjust the level of spiciness by altering the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preference. If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of water or allow it to simmer with the lid off for a few extra minutes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.