Easy Simple Chili Recipe: A Beginner's Guide to a Crowd-Pleasing Meal
This easy simple chili recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal ingredients, and is easily customizable to your spice preference. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses pantry staples, making it incredibly convenient. You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen!
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for any chili recipe.
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, or a vegetarian substitute): Your protein base.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Provides the base for the chili.
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds texture and fiber.
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: More texture and flavor! Feel free to substitute with black beans or other favorites.
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained: Adds spice and a nice kick. Adjust to your preferred level of heat.
- 1 tbsp chili powder: The heart of the chili flavor.
- 1 tsp cumin: Earthy and warm, complementing the chili powder.
- 1/2 tsp oregano: Adds a Mediterranean touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
Simple Chili Recipe Instructions:
This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking time. Even a novice cook can master this in under an hour!
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the ground meat: Add the ground beef (or your chosen protein) to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
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Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more chili powder for extra heat, or more salt and pepper for balance.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious chili hot, topped with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or cilantro.
Tips and Variations for Your Easy Chili:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of lentils or a vegetarian crumbles.
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or corn.
- Slow cooker option: For an even easier meal, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Make it ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
This easy simple chili recipe is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
