This easy instant chili is made for you — hearty, spicy, and ready fast! Packed with bold flavor for quick, cozy meals anytime.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Directions
- Heat the pot: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add veggies: Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Season it up: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables in the spices.
- Add the good stuff: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
Optional Tips/Variations
- For smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of chipotle powder or a splash of BBQ sauce.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the beef and adding extra beans or diced veggies like corn and zucchini.
- Chili tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep or freezing!
Craving more cozy comfort meals? Try my Easy One-Pot Pasta for a quick, creamy dinner or my Easy Cheesy Lasagna for a hearty, oven-baked classic — both made for you!