Easy Chili Recipe in 30 Min
We love a good bowl of chili. But for us, the best beef chili recipe is one that is simple and un-fussy. When the cravings are strong, this easy chili recipe in 30 minutes is satisfying and hearty. Chili doesnโt need to be complicated. It just needs to be flavorful and yummy.
Easy Chili Recipe
When we talk about making a simple chili itโs all about using ingredients that are readily available. Our un-fussy easy chili recipe in 30 minutes does just that. Itโs ready to eat from start to finish cooking time. Now if you slow in chopping onions or garlic, you might need to add another few minutes of prep time. Other than that, all the magic happens in one pot with ingredients that you should have in your pantry.
Different Ground Meats for Chili: Beef, Chicken, Turkey
Weโve made this simple recipe for chili using ground beef for so long. But lately, weโve been exploring other ground meat options. For a healthier and lower calorie attempt, weโve made this with ground chicken and on another occasion with ground turkey. They both turned out great! We didnโt miss out on too much flavor because thereโs enough seasonings to give the savory flavor. So if youโre a fan chicken or turkey, make a batch of chili chili or turkey chili. Youโll be happy with the results.
Video: Easy Chili Recipe
Tips on Making The Best Chili
- For a classic beef version, using lean ground beef like 90% will be less fatty but youโll still have flavor. Our spice combination adds great flavor even if youโre using lean beef. Some folks like using a higher fat content beef for flavor so that still is great too. Use what ever percentage you like.
- Donโt skimp out on the spices. This is what gives the chili tons of flavor. We love lots of flavor.
- Add extra chopped veggies to make it more vegetable friendly. Chopped bell peppers, carrots, celery, corn, and kale are great add-ons.
- If you like your chili to be spicy, add about 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper. Taste the chili and add more if you like.
- For a more intense tomato flavor, add a couple tablespoons of tomato paste.
- What about the beans? If you donโt like beans, leave them out. We do like some beans in our chili.
- All easy chili recipe details are in the recipe box below.
Easy 30 minute Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb. (454 g) lean ground beef (85-90% lean) (or whatever ground meat you like โ chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, etc.
- 1 Tablespoon (14.79 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion , diced
- 4 cloves (4 cloves) garlic , minced or crushed
- 30 ounces (850 g) tomato sauce , (two 15oz. cans or @ 4 cups) crushed, diced or regular depending on what texture you want
- 15 ounces (425.24 g) canned beans (black, pinto, cannellini, etcโฆ), drained and rinsed
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) chili powder
- 2 teaspoons (9.86 ml) ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried oregano leaves , or chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Kosher salt , or to taste
- fresh cracked black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- grated cheese
- sour cream
- diced red onions
- sliced green onions
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and after the oil is heated, stir in the ground meat.
- Sautรฉ the meat until browned, about 3 minutes, breaking it up into small chunks as you cook.
- Stir in the onion and garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until onions are softened.
- Mix in the tomato sauce, beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a simmer.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste for seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings if desired.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
What are some good chili topping ideas?
We LOVE toppings! When it comes to finishing off a bowl of chili, itโs always about the toppings. Hereโs some classic and interesting ideas to add to the top of your bowl.
- sour creme or creme fraiche
- shredded cheddar cheese. we love the flavors of sharp cheddar.
- minced white onions, green onions, red onions or even pickled onions
- chunks of creamy avocado
- drizzle of crispy homemade chili onion crunch
- potato chips or your favorite crackers all crushed and placed on top
- hereโs the interesting history of chili
Different Ways to Serve this Easy Chili Recipe
Simple chili in a bowl with your favorite toppings is always comforting. Add a crusty slice of bread or crackers on the side and itโs a complete meal. But if youโre looking for alternative ways to serve this classic dish, hereโs some delicious ideas:
- On pasta! Choose any type of pasta that you like. Even a simple chili spaghetti is great.
- Add a few big spoonfuls to hot dogs and make chili cheese dogs.
- Loaded chili cheese fries are always a favorite.
- With cornbread. A classic for a reason, it is delicious!
- On baked potatoes!
- Chili nachos anyone? This is fantastic and a great game day appetizer dish to share.
- Add it to hamburger buns or soft bread loaves and make a loose meat sandwich like a sloppy joe. But this time, itโs a chili โsloppy joeโ
- If you have leftovers and want a quick meal or snack, chili cheese quesadillas are fantastic.
We tried this out today and it came out really great. Itโs was such a great tasting chili that didnโt take long to do.
A fantastic recipe that everyone we knew really enjoyed! It was super simple and way better than any chili iโve had at restaurants.
Thanks for this chili recipe. Itโs so good.