The Best Easy Chili Recipe You Will Make All Winter

There is nothing better than a warm pot of chili bubbling on the stove during cold winter days. It fills your home with rich cozy aroma and brings comfort with every spoonful. This recipe is simple hearty and full of bold flavor. It uses pantry ingredients and comes together easily which makes it perfect for family dinners weeknight meals or weekend cooking. Once you make it you will want to prepare it all season long.

Ingredients Needed

For the chili

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 green bell pepper chopped
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 1 can kidney beans drained
• 1 can black beans drained
• 1 can pinto beans drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes fourteen ounces
• 1 can crushed tomatoes fifteen ounces
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 fourth teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

For garnish

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Green onions sliced

Step by Step Cooking Instructions for Easy Chili Recipe

Brown the meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add the ground beef and break it apart. Cook until fully browned then drain any extra fat.

Cook the vegetables

Add onion garlic and both bell peppers. Stir well and cook until soft and fragrant.

Add the seasonings

Sprinkle chili powder paprika cumin salt black pepper sugar and cayenne. Stir well until the spices coat the meat and vegetables.

Add tomatoes and beans

Stir in the tomato paste. Add diced tomatoes crushed tomatoes and all the beans. Mix gently so everything blends together.

Add the broth and simmer

Pour in the beef broth. Stir and bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Cook for at least thirty minutes. The longer it simmers the deeper the flavor becomes. Stir from time to time so the bottom does not stick.

Final touch

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and let the chili rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This chili is very easy to personalize. If you enjoy extra heat add more cayenne or include a chopped jalapeno. If you prefer a mild version simply reduce the spices. You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. For a smoky twist add a small pinch of smoked paprika. If you want thicker chili let it simmer longer or add a little extra tomato paste. You can also add corn carrots or zucchini if you want more vegetables. Swap the beans with your favorites such as chickpeas or white beans. Every version will still taste warm comforting and delicious.

Nutritional Information

A typical serving of this chili provides a balanced mix of protein fiber and essential vitamins. The beans offer natural fiber and plant based protein while the ground beef adds rich flavor and fullness. The tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. One serving contains about four hundred to five hundred calories depending on toppings and portion size. You can reduce calories by choosing lean beef or using turkey and by skipping heavy toppings like sour cream or extra cheese. The dish is filling satisfying and ideal for winter days when you need warmth and nourishment.

Serving Suggestions

This chili pairs beautifully with many sides. Serve it with warm cornbread fluffy dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad gives a bright contrast to the rich flavors. You can also spoon the chili over rice pasta or baked potatoes for a heartier meal. Add toppings like shredded cheese sour cream cilantro or green onions for extra flavor. If you are serving guests create a chili bar with bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their own. Chili also reheats wonderfully which makes it perfect for next day lunches or meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions