Name: Easy Beef Chili Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 lb ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp cumin; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1.5 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; Pinch cayenne powder; 1 15oz can diced tomatoes; 1 15oz can tomato sauce; 1 15oz can pinto beans; 1 15oz can kidney beans; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp honey; 2 cups beef broth; Sour cream; Greek yogurt; Cheese; Green onion; Fritos; Cilantro

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty dish that comes together without any fuss, I’ve got you covered. This Easy Beef Chili Recipe is one of those go-to meals that I always turn to when I want something delicious and satisfying but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. From the first time I made it, I knew it would be a staple for busy weeknights and casual gatherings – it’s just packed with flavor and a perfect balance of spices and savory goodness.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Easy to find pantry staples come together effortlessly for a big flavor payoff.
Quick to Make: You’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
Family-Friendly: My loved ones go crazy for this chili, and it freezes beautifully for make-ahead meals.
Customizable Heat Level: You can dial up or down the spice easily to suit your taste.

The image shows a white bowl filled with thick chili, dark brown with visible kidney beans and small green herbs mixed in. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream at the center, surrounded by thin yellow shredded cheese and curved, crunchy-looking yellow corn chips. Chopped green onions and finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the sour cream and cheese. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered green herbs and a small white bowl with extra chopped green onions nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, quick chili recipe, easy dinner ideas, beef chili dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Easy Beef Chili Recipe work together to create layers of hearty, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. When picking out your spices, I always recommend using fresh ones if you can—your chili will taste so much brighter. Also, grab good quality ground beef for the best texture.

Flat lay of a small puddle of golden olive oil served in a simple white ceramic bowl, one whole small yellow onion with a few cubes diced next to it, a mound of fresh raw ground beef, three whole garlic bulbs, two small white ceramic bowls containing vibrant red chili powder and light brown cumin powder, two smaller white ceramic bowls with pale beige garlic powder and bright white salt crystals, a tiny pinch of bright red cayenne powder in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl holding vivid red diced fresh tomatoes, another white bowl with smooth bright red tomato paste, two separate white ceramic bowls filled with plump pinto beans and glossy dark red kidney beans, a small white bowl with clear golden honey, and a white bowl with rich brown beef broth, all ingredients arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, quick chili recipe, easy dinner ideas, beef chili dinner

Olive oil: Helps brown the beef beautifully and softens the onions without adding heaviness.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth – make sure it’s diced evenly for even cooking.
Ground beef: I prefer 85% lean for that perfect juicy balance.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really punches up the flavor; avoid powders here for garlic freshness.
Chili powder: The star spice that brings the chili flavor alive.
Cumin: Adds that warm, earthy undertone chili is known for.
Garlic powder: A little extra garlic flavor without overpowering.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all the ingredients naturally.
Cayenne powder: A pinch adds delightful heat, but you can adjust to taste.
Diced tomatoes: Fresh-tasting and adds a nice tangy balance.
Tomato sauce: Helps create the perfect chili base that’s not too chunky.
Pinto beans & Kidney beans: Provide hearty, creamy texture and protein.
Tomato paste: Thickens the chili and adds concentrated tomato flavor.
Honey: Balances the acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
Beef broth: Adds savory richness – homemade or store-bought works great.
Optional toppings: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, green onions, fritos, or cilantro – you name it!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Easy Beef Chili Recipe is a blank canvas – you can easily tweak it to match what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few changes that add personality to the dish.

Meat Swap: I’ve made it with ground turkey or even shredded chicken when I wanted a lighter meal—it still holds up well with the spices.
Spice Level: If you like it hotter, I add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to amp up the smoky heat.
Vegetarian Version: Use a mix of beans and diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, skip the meat, and add extra chili powder to keep the flavor rich.
Slow Cooker Option: After browning the beef and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours—so hands-off and tender.

How to Make Easy Beef Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in your diced onions. I find letting them sweat for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly is perfect—it brings out their natural sweetness. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula. Cooking it for another 2-3 minutes until it just loses its pink is key before adding garlic. Trust me, adding garlic too soon can burn it, making the chili bitter.

Step 2: Layer in the Spices

Once your beef is mostly cooked but still juicy, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Stir everything together, letting those spices bloom in the heat for about a minute. This step is where the chili starts to develop its signature warm and inviting fragrance. It’s what makes this Easy Beef Chili Recipe stand out from just a simple meat and beans stew.

Step 3: Combine the Sauces, Beans, and Broth

Now, dump in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato paste, honey, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir until well combined. This mixture has a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that’s just irresistible. At this point, bring the pot up to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let your chili simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. Make sure to stir now and then to prevent sticking and to encourage the flavors to meld. This simmering stage is where the magic happens — the beef gets tender, the spices infuse deeply, and the chili thickens beautifully. Resist the urge to rush it; this slow cooking is truly what makes this an easy beef chili recipe that tastes like you spent hours on it.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your chili into bowls, then add on your favorite toppings. I’m obsessed with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese, but I also love the crunch that fritos add. Fresh chopped green onions or cilantro brighten it up, especially if you like a little fresh bite. Then, dig in and enjoy the warmth.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Easy Beef Chili Recipe

Don’t Rush Browning: Take your time browning the beef so it caramelizes and adds deeper flavor instead of steaming it.
Adjust Spice Gradually: Start with less cayenne; you can always add more at the end if you want more heat.
Use a Heavy Pot: A Dutch oven or thick-bottomed pan prevents burning and helps develop flavors evenly.
Taste and Adjust: Don’t forget to taste before serving — sometimes a pinch more salt or a touch more honey can perfect the balance.

How to Serve Easy Beef Chili Recipe

The image shows three white bowls filled with rich, dark red chili with visible beans and minced meat. Each bowl is topped with a dollop of white sour cream in the center, surrounded by bright yellow strips of cheddar cheese and curled, crunchy, light golden corn chips. Small pieces of chopped green onion and fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. Around the bowls, there are lime wedges and extra chopped green onions in small white bowls on a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand holding a spoon in the bottom right bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, quick chili recipe, easy dinner ideas, beef chili dinner

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes usually include a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for richness, and a handful of fresh green onions or cilantro for brightness. Occasionally, I throw on some crunchy fritos for a fun texture contrast. These toppings add layers of flavor and make every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

I like to serve this Easy Beef Chili Recipe with simple sides that complement its hearty nature—think warm cornbread straight from the oven, a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or even some fluffy rice to soak up the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve poured chili into big bread bowls which both looks impressive and makes eating cozy. Another fun idea is layering the chili over baked potatoes or using it as a filling for nachos. These presentations make the Easy Beef Chili Recipe feel extra festive at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chili thickens as it cools, so you might want to loosen it up with a splash of water or broth when reheating. This recipe actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chili several times with great results. Just let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and label with the date. It stays delicious and close to fresh for about 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and adding a little water if it gets too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, but watch the timing closely to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Beef Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions on the stove first, then combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. This method lets the flavors develop slowly and the meat becomes super tender.
How do I thicken my chili if it turns out too watery?

If your chili is a bit thin, simmer it uncovered for a little longer to reduce the liquid. You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or even a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it quickly without changing the flavor.
Can I use canned beans other than pinto and kidney?

Definitely! Black beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas can work nicely. Just make sure to rinse the beans well to reduce excess sodium, especially if you’re watching salt intake.
Is this Easy Beef Chili Recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild-to-moderate heat level thanks to the chili powder and a pinch of cayenne, but it’s easy to adjust. You can skip the cayenne for a milder chili or add fresh chilies or hot sauce if you prefer more kick.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover chili?

Reheating on the stove over low heat with occasional stirring works best to keep the chili from drying out or burning. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed. Microwaving works too, just heat in short intervals and stir in between.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Beef Chili Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. I love how it’s simple but full of deep flavors that everyone seems to enjoy, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Give it a try—I promise once you’ve made this, you’ll be reaching for it again and again, just like my family does. And don’t hesitate to make it your own with your favorite toppings and sides. Happy cooking!