Easy Chili Recipe: 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner

The easiest chili recipe requires just 7 basic ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 (15oz) can kidney beans, 1 (15oz) can diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp chili powder, and 1 tsp cumin. Brown the meat with onions and garlic, then add remaining ingredients. Simmer for 20 minutes. This beginner-friendly chili takes only 30 minutes total with minimal prep work and common pantry staples.

Looking for a quick chili recipe for beginners that doesn't sacrifice flavor? You've found it. After testing dozens of variations over 15+ years of cooking, I've perfected the simplest approach to making delicious chili that works for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep. The secret isn't complicated techniques—it's understanding how to maximize flavor with minimal effort and ingredients you likely already have.

The Ultimate Easy Chili Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes)

This simple chili recipe with minimal ingredients delivers rich, complex flavor without requiring specialty items or hours of simmering. What makes it truly easy? No chopping (beyond basic onions), no obscure spices, and only one pot to clean.

Ingredients You'll Need

This easy weeknight chili uses common pantry staples:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Add garlic during the last minute.
2. Drain excess fat: Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pot.
3. Add remaining ingredients: Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
10 minutes	20 minutes	30 minutes	4 servings

Pro Tips for the Easiest Chili Possible

These time-saving chili preparation techniques make the process even simpler:

• No chopping shortcut: Use frozen diced onions instead of fresh to save 5 minutes of prep time
• One-pot method: Skip draining beans—rinse them directly in the colander over your cooking pot to minimize dishes
• Flavor boost: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder for depth without extra effort
• Texture secret: Mash 1/4 of the beans against the pot wall for a thicker, heartier consistency

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Easy Chili Recipes

Even simple chili recipes for beginners can go wrong. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Overcooking spices: Adding chili powder too early causes flavor loss—stir it in after browning meat
• Skipping the bloom: Cook spices with the meat for 1 minute before adding liquids to intensify flavor
• Using cold beans: Let canned beans reach room temperature before adding to prevent temperature shock
• Over-simmering: More than 30 minutes of cooking makes beef tough in quick-prep chili

Dietary Modifications for Your Easy Chili

This versatile easy chili recipe adapts to various dietary needs without complicating the process:

• Vegetarian version: Replace beef with 2 cups cooked lentils and 1 cup mushrooms
• Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free—just verify your spice labels
• Dairy-free: Skip cheese toppings or use nutritional yeast
• Lower sodium: Use no-salt-added beans and tomatoes, and reduce added salt by half

Serving and Storage Tips

Maximize your easy homemade chili experience with these practical suggestions:

• Best toppings: A dollop of sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese balances the heat perfectly
• Perfect pairing: Serve with cornbread or saltine crackers for the classic combination
• Meal prep friendly: Chili tastes better the next day—store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Freezing instructions: Portion into freezer bags (lay flat) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes! Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. The slow cooker method actually enhances flavor development while requiring even less active time.

What's the quickest way to make chili without compromising flavor?

The fastest approach uses pre-cooked ground turkey (from the deli section), no-salt-added canned beans, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Skip simmering time entirely—just combine everything, heat through for 5 minutes, and serve. This 15-minute chili maintains excellent flavor when you use quality ingredients.

How can I make chili thicker without adding more ingredients?

Create instant thickness by mashing some beans against the pot wall with a wooden spoon, or remove 1 cup of chili, blend until smooth, then return to the pot. Both methods use existing ingredients to improve texture without extra shopping or steps.

What's the secret to making chili taste restaurant-quality with basic ingredients?

The professional trick is 'blooming' your spices: after browning meat, add chili powder and cumin directly to the hot pot and stir for 60 seconds before adding liquids. This process unlocks deeper flavors from basic spices without requiring specialty ingredients.

Can I double this easy chili recipe for meal prep?

Absolutely. This recipe scales perfectly—just use 2 lbs meat, 2 onions, and double all other ingredients. Cook in a larger pot to maintain proper ingredient ratios. Double-batched chili freezes exceptionally well for future quick meals.