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simple chili recipe

Here’s a straightforward, hearty simple chili recipe you can get on the table in about 30–40 minutes, inspired by classic ground‑beef chilis that use pantry staples like canned tomatoes, beans, and chili powder.

Quick Scoop

  • Ready in: 30–40 minutes
  • Serves: 4–6
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Style: Classic beef‑and‑bean chili, mild–medium heat, easy to customize.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil (optional if beef is lean)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomato
  • 1–2 cans (15 oz each) beans, drained and rinsed (kidney, black, or pinto)
  • 2–3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½–1 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • ½–1 cup water or broth, as needed for thickness.

Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onion, tortilla chips or cornbread.

Step‑by‑step Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add oil if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  1. Add ground beef, break it up with a spoon, and cook until browned with no pink remaining; drain excess fat if necessary.
  1. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and any paprika/cayenne; cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  1. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and ½ cup water or broth; mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  1. Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally; add a splash more water/broth if it gets too thick.
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning (more salt, chili powder, or a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are very acidic), then serve hot with toppings.

Simple Variations

  • Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • No‑bean: Skip the beans and add a bit more meat or diced bell pepper.
  • Chunkier: Add a chopped bell pepper or corn kernels with the tomatoes for extra texture.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.