Chili in a Hurry: The Ultimate Easy Chili Recipe

Welcome to my blog! Today, I’m excited to share with you my easy chili recipe that’s perfect for when you need dinner on the table in a hurry. This recipe requires minimal prep time and is the perfect combination of flavors and spices that will satisfy your taste buds.

Whether you’re running late from work, your kids have after-school activities, or you just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, this easy chili recipe is for you. It’s so simple to make and is ready in just 30 minutes. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

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Easy Chili Recipe

Chili is a classic comfort food that can be prepared in a variety of ways. This easy chili recipe is perfect for those who want to make a delicious and hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing the chili for a family dinner or a potluck with friends, this recipe is easy to follow and will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

To make this easy chili recipe, you will need:

1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 cup water
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking and add more or less of the ingredients as desired.

Preparation

Here are the steps to follow to make the easy chili recipe:

In a large pot, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned.
Add the onion, green pepper, and garlic to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir everything together.
Add the water to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the kidney beans and black beans to the pot and continue simmering for another 10 minutes until the beans are heated through. Adjust the seasoning to taste if necessary.

Once the chili is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to serve chili, but here are some suggestions:

Serve the chili with cornbread or crackers on the side.
Top the chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Use the chili as a topping for hot dogs or baked potatoes.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your chili toppings!

Overall, this easy chili recipe is a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy a hearty meal on a chilly night. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in no time.

Variations of the Recipe

Vegetarian Chili

Looking for a vegetarian version of the classic chili recipe? Fear not, it’s easier than you think! Simply omit the meat and load up on fresh vegetables for a hearty and nutritious meal. To give it an extra boost of flavor, consider substituting the meat with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or canned beans. If using canned beans, make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess salt or additives.

For a tasty vegetarian chili, you’ll need:

1 can of kidney beans
1 can of black beans
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the onion, green pepper, and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Add the canned tomatoes, drained and rinsed black and kidney beans, chili powder, and cumin.
Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy with rice, cheese, and sour cream if desired.

Spicy Chili

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to kick things up a notch, consider adding some spice to your chili. The easiest way to add heat is to use hot sauce or jalapenos. You can also adjust the amount of chili powder or cumin to your liking. Just remember, a little goes a long way with these hot and spicy ingredients!

For a fiery chili recipe, you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked.
Add the onion, green pepper, and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Add the canned tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes.
Stir in the hot sauce (if using) and add salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy with cornbread or crackers on the side.

Crock Pot Chili

If you’re short on time and want a fuss-free dinner, consider making chili in your slow cooker. The flavors will meld together beautifully and you’ll end up with a delicious and hearty meal with minimal effort. Simply prep the ingredients in the morning and let the slow cooker do all the work.

For an easy crockpot chili recipe, you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
Transfer the beef to your slow cooker and add the onion, green pepper, and garlic.
Add the canned tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Once done, stir the chili and serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped scallions.

These three variations of the classic chili recipe are delicious and easy to make. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a spice-lover, or love the convenience of a slow cooker, there’s a chili recipe for you. So gather your ingredients and get cooking!

Tips for Perfecting Your Chili

Adjusting Seasoning

One of the best parts about making chili is the ability to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding more chili powder or even a diced jalapeno pepper. For a smokier flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika. If you want a deeper, earthy flavor, try increasing the amount of cumin used in the recipe. And of course, don’t forget the salt! Taste the chili frequently as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Letting It Simmer

The secret to a delicious chili is often in the simmering time. While it may be tempting to rush the process and serve the chili as soon as it comes to a boil, taking the time to let it simmer for a longer period of time can make a world of difference in the flavor. The longer the chili simmers, the more time the flavors have to meld together and create a more complex taste. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of simmer time, but if you can, let it go for an hour or more.

Leftover Ideas

When you make a big batch of chili, chances are you’ll have leftovers. But instead of simply reheating the chili for another meal, get creative with how you use it! One tasty option is to use the chili as a topping for baked potatoes – simply scoop some chili on top of a baked potato and add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Another idea is to use the chili as a filling for tacos – just heat up some tortillas, add a scoop of chili, and top with lettuce, cheese, and salsa. And for a fun appetizer or game-day snack, try using the chili as a topping for nachos – simply layer tortilla chips, chili, and cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Thanks for Reading and Come Back Soon!

We hope that this easy chili recipe becomes a staple in your recipe collection and makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Remember, this recipe is versatile and can be customized to your taste preferences, so don’t be afraid to play around with the spices and ingredients.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article, and we hope that it has been helpful in simplifying your dinner routine. Don’t forget to come back and visit us for more delicious and easy recipes in the future. We wish you all the best in your culinary adventures!