Nothing beats a steaming bowl of chili on a cool evening, and this Ultimate Easy Chili delivers comfort in every spoonful. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and comes together with pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients. Whether you’re hosting game night or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this chili has your back.

The real magic lies in its simplicity. You’ll be amazed at how something so quick and fuss-free can taste like it’s been simmering all day. With tender ground beef, a rich tomato base, warming spices, and beans that add just the right texture, this chili is destined to become a family favorite.

What Kind of Beans Work Best in Chili?

For a well-rounded chili, use a mix of beans. Kidney beans are classic for their meaty texture, while black beans add depth. Pinto beans bring a creamy element, creating a balanced bite. Canned beans are totally fine here—just be sure to drain and rinse them first to reduce excess sodium.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Easy Chili

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup beef broth (or water)
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapeños

How To Make the Ultimate Easy Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and all the beans. Pour in the broth and mix well.

Step 4: Simmer to Develop Flavor

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken and flavors will meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

How to Serve and Store Your Chili

Chili is incredibly versatile. Serve it with warm cornbread, over baked potatoes, or even on top of nachos for a fun twist. It gets better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or add an extra can of beans like chickpeas or lentils.

What if I don’t have all three types of beans?

No worries. Just use what you have on hand. Two cans of the same bean or even one type will still make a delicious chili.

Is it spicy?

This version is more flavorful than spicy. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to taste.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works beautifully in this recipe.

How can I thicken my chili?

Let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer or mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release starch and thicken the sauce.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you’re all about warming meals like this Ultimate Easy Chili, check out these other cozy recipes:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich skillet dinner.
Shipwreck Dinner is a hearty one-pan classic perfect for chilly nights.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole layers flavor and comfort.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a creamy twist on beefy pasta.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti to set and forget until dinner.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it when the craving hits again.

And when you try it, let me know in the comments how you made it your own. Did you go extra spicy? Add corn? Try a vegetarian version?

I love seeing how you adapt these recipes and make them yours. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more easy, flavor-packed meals!

Ultimate Easy Chili

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Ultimate Easy Chili is the perfect comforting dinner—rich, hearty, and packed with beans, tomatoes, ground beef, and bold spices. It comes together quickly, making it a go-to for busy nights or relaxed weekend meals.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.

3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and all the beans. Pour in the broth and mix well.

4. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken and flavors will meld together.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro.