Simple Hearty Weeknight Chili (Printable)

A hearty chili featuring ground beef, beans, and warming spices ready in under an hour.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter alternative)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Canned Goods

05 - 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
06 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

→ Liquids

09 - 1 cup low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth)

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
15 - 1 tsp salt, or to taste
16 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

17 - Shredded cheddar cheese
18 - Sour cream
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Fresh cilantro
21 - Sliced jalapeños

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat a splash of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
03 - Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with spices.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
05 - Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
06 - Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with preferred toppings.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Gluten Free if using certified GF beans
02 -
  • Contains no major allergens if prepared as listed
  • Toppings like cheese and sour cream contain dairy
03 -
  • Adjust seasoning gradually to control spice level
  • Let chili simmer uncovered for thicker consistency
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