The Best & Easiest Chili Recipe

Warm, hearty, and incredibly comforting—this Best & Easiest Chili Recipe brings bold flavors with zero fuss. Whether you're feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just craving a cozy bowl on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers.

⏱ Prep time: 10 minutes

 🔥 Cook time: 30–45 minutes

 🍴 Serves: 6–8

👉Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80–90% lean) — for juicy texture 

• 1 onion, finely diced 

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1–2 bell peppers, diced (optional) 

• 2 tbsp chili powder, plus extra to taste 

• 1 tsp ground cumin 

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• 1 tsp cumin or garlic powder (if preferred) 

• 1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes 

• 1 can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes 

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or mix with pinto beans) 

• Approx. 1 cup beef broth (or water) 

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup, for balanced sweetness 

👉Optional Add-ins

• Bacon, chopped — for smoky flavor and cook-off-worthy depth 

• Jalapeños or cayenne, for heat 

• Homemade chili seasoning blend, if available 

👉Step-by-Step Process

1. Sauté the Base

• Heat a large pot over medium heat. If using, cook bacon first until crisp; reserve a bit of the fat. 

• Add ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are soft. Drain excess fat if needed. 

2. Build the Flavor

• Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until fragrant. 

• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, broth, and sweetener (brown sugar or maple syrup). 

3. Simmer to Perfection

• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, until flavors meld and chili thickens. 

4. Final Touches

•Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more chili powder or heat if preferred.

• Let chili rest a few minutes before serving; this helps flavors develop and makes scooping easier.

Why This Recipe Works🤔

Fast yet flavorful: A 30-minute cook time with bold depth and minimal prep. 

Balanced taste: Ground beef, rich tomato base, hearty beans, savory spices, and sweet undertones deliver a harmonious flavor profile.

Crowd-pleasing versatility: Easy to customize for vegetarians, heat-lovers, or weeknight cooks. 

👉Pro Tips for Chili Mastery

Use lean ground beef: Maintains juiciness without excessive grease. 

Let flavors meld: Simmer uncovered to naturally thicken and intensify flavor. 

Make it your own: Swap ground turkey, try white chicken chili, or explore Instant Pot and slow-cooker versions for convenience. 

Serve with style: Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheddar, chopped onions, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor pop.

Final Thoughts🙂

This Best & Easiest Chili Recipe hits all the right notes—simplicity, comfort, and flavor brilliance. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a quick solo meal, this chili delivers.

👉 Give it a try, let it sim

mer, dish it up, and tell us how it turned out!

Want creative variations or side ideas next? Just say the word.