Ultimate Easy Chili Recipe: The Best Homemade Beef and Bean Chili Ready in Under an Hour

Chili makes a great meal on cold days. This recipe uses ground beef and beans for a full flavor. It cooks fast on the stove. You can make it in under an hour. Serve it with cheese or sour cream on top.

Ingredients

You need simple items from the store. This serves 6 people.

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean works well)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for depth)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (added at the end)

How to Make Chili

Follow these steps. Use a large pot.

1. Cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. This takes about 5 minutes. Remove bacon but keep 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot.
2. Add onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 4 minutes until soft.
3. Add garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon. Cook until brown. This takes 6 minutes. Drain extra fat if needed.
5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, beef broth, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil.
7. Lower heat. Simmer for 30 minutes. Stir now and then.
8. Add apple cider vinegar. Stir well. Taste and add more salt if needed.

The chili gets thicker as it simmers. If too thick, add a splash of broth.

Tips for Better Chili

Brown the meat well for flavor. Use fresh spices. Simmer longer for richer taste, up to 1 hour. Add heat with jalapeños if you like spice.

What makes chili taste good? Layers from spices, cocoa, and vinegar balance the flavors.

Variations

Try without beans for a meat-only version. Use ground turkey instead of beef. For a slow cooker, brown meat first, then cook on low for 4 hours.

Storage and Reheating

Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat. Add water if it thickens too much.

What to Serve with Chili

Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions. Pair with cornbread or rice.

Common Questions

How do I make chili from scratch? Start with fresh meat and veggies. Build flavors step by step.

Can I add more veggies? Yes, try carrots or corn for sweetness.

What if it’s too spicy? Add more tomatoes or a bit of sugar.

For other quick dinners, check our easy chicken alfredo recipe.

This recipe draws from trusted sources like Serious Eats and Allrecipes for proven methods.