Best Easy Chili Recipe: Ready in 35 Minutes

Our best easy chili recipe delivers rich, authentic flavor with minimal effort: brown 1 lb ground beef, add 1 diced onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 (15oz) cans beans (kidney and pinto), 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (4oz) can diced green chilies, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Simmer 20 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes. Serves 6. Ready in under 40 minutes with pantry staples.

The Ultimate Simple Chili for Busy Weeknights

When searching for the best easy chili recipe, home cooks want authentic flavor without complicated steps or specialty ingredients. This straightforward approach delivers restaurant-quality results using common pantry items you likely already have. Unlike many "easy" recipes that compromise on taste, this version balances simplicity with deep, complex flavors through smart technique and ingredient combinations.

Why This Easy Chili Recipe Works

The secret to our best easy chili recipe lies in three key elements:

1. Strategic ingredient layering - Building flavors step by step rather than dumping everything in at once
2. Pantry-friendly substitutions - Flexible options that maintain quality when you're missing an ingredient
3. Perfect simmer time - Enough to develop flavors without requiring hours of cooking

This approach creates a rich, satisfying chili in under 40 minutes - ideal for weeknight dinners when time is limited but flavor matters.

Simple Chili Ingredients List

You'll need these basic ingredients for our easy weeknight chili recipe:

Ingredient	Amount	Substitution Options
Ground beef (85% lean)	1 pound	Ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, or omit for vegetarian
Yellow onion, diced	1 medium	Red onion or 2 tbsp onion powder in a pinch
Garlic cloves, minced	3	1½ tsp garlic powder
Chili powder	2 tbsp	Chili seasoning blend (check sodium content)
Canned kidney beans	1 (15oz) can	Black beans or cannellini beans
Canned pinto beans	1 (15oz) can	Additional kidney beans
Crushed tomatoes	1 (28oz) can	Diced tomatoes (with juices)
Diced green chilies	1 (4oz) can	1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Chili

Follow these simple steps for the best easy chili recipe that consistently delivers great results:

1. Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until beef is browned and onion is translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired.
2. Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This builds foundational flavor without burning the garlic.
3. Combine dry spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their oils.
4. Add remaining ingredients: Pour in crushed tomatoes, both cans of beans (drained and rinsed), and diced green chilies. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer to perfection: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This develops flavors without overcooking.
6. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

These expert techniques elevate your simple chili recipe from good to exceptional:

• Don't skip the spice blooming - Cooking dry spices in oil for 30 seconds intensifies their flavor dramatically
• Acid balance - If your chili tastes flat, add 1 tsp of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten flavors
• Thickening hack - For thicker chili, mash some beans against the pot side during the last 5 minutes of cooking
• Flavor development - Chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Homemade Chili

Complete your meal with these simple serving options:

• Classic toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced red onion, fresh cilantro
• Serve over rice or with cornbread for a heartier meal
• For a low-carb option, serve in a bowl with avocado slices
• Pair with a simple green salad for balanced nutrition

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This quick homemade chili with minimal ingredients stores beautifully:

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in refrigerator)
• Reheating: Warm on stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this easy chili recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer to your slow cooker with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. The slow cooker method develops deeper flavors while maintaining the simplicity of this best easy chili recipe.

How can I make this chili spicier without changing the flavor profile?

Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce during cooking. For more complex heat, include 1 diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. These additions enhance rather than overpower the authentic chili flavor in this simple chili recipe for beginners.

What's the best way to thicken chili without affecting taste?

Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, create a slurry with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water, then stir it in and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Both methods work perfectly with this quick homemade chili recipe.

Can I make this chili vegetarian while keeping it flavorful?

Absolutely. Substitute the ground beef with 2 cups cooked lentils or your favorite plant-based crumbles. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire (check for vegetarian version) for umami depth. This maintains the simplicity of the best easy chili recipe while making it meat-free.