Posted Nov 05, 2023, Updated Oct 30, 2024 I created this easy chili recipe the night I went into labor with my 5th baby on Super Bowl Sunday! I didn’t expect to still be pregnant, so I planned nothing for our football-watching menu. But lo and behold I wasn’t snuggling my sweet newborn quite yet, so I quickly whipped up this easy chili recipe before the game started, and it was delicious. Now I make this beef chili recipe weekly in the cooler months. It’s one of my go-to meals when I’m short on time – because it’s ready in 30 minutes – and I still want to feed my family a hearty, healthy meal. I love that this recipe includes a homemade spice mix that is free from preservatives and it’s gluten-free! So you can serve it to large crowds including those who cannot eat gluten. Also try this crowd-pleasing crock pot chili recipe.
Easy Chili Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions
One of the great things about homemade chili is that it’s customizable. Here are some notes about the ingredients and possible substitutions.
Ground beef. I’ve used both 85/15% and 93/7% lean ground beef with great results. Or try turkey chili, chicken chili, or vegetarian chili. Minced garlic. You can substitute 1 tsp garlic powder for the minced garlic, and add it with the rest of the spices. Bell peppers. any color variety of bell pepper works well in this recipe. If you like to add some heat, add some spicier peppers. Spice mixture. I have written this recipe with the spice ratios and combination that are spot on. You can add more chili powder, or some cayenne powder to increase the heat. This is a mild chili as written. Use a packet of seasoning for ease, or make this homemade chili seasoning recipe and use 4 Tablespoons. Fire roasted tomatoes. I love the flavor that the fire roasted tomatoes adds to this recipe (and this sausage gnocchi). Regular diced tomatoes are a good substitute. Kidney Beans. I use one can of kidney beans because my husband doesn’t love them. However you can add another can (2 cans total) if you love beans. Use your favorite beans such as: black beans, great northern (white) beans, and garbanzo beans (chickpeas). Corn. Fresh and frozen corn both work well in this chili recipe.
How to Make Chili
This beef chili recipe is super easy to make, and I always have all the ingredients on hand. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video. Begin by making the homemade chili seasoning in a small bowl. It can be tweaked according to your personal preferences. I make ours mild, so adjust the heat accordingly. Once the spice mixture is ready, brown the ground beef with the garlic. Cook it over medium-high heat until it’s mostly browned for the best texture and flavor. Once the meat is mostly (but not totally) browned, add the bell peppers and cook until they are slightly soft. Next, add the rest of the ingredients and stir until everything is combined. If you’re short on time, cook this easy chili recipe on medium heat for 15 minutes before serving, stirring occasionally. If you have a longer, simmer until you’re ready to serve. The longer the chili is simmered, the more the flavors will meld together. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or heat (spicy/mild) according to your preferences.
Serve
People often ask, “what can you add to chili?” Once your chili is finished cooking, gather your favorite fixings and serve the chili recipe warm. Some of our favorite additions are:
green onions sour cream shredded cheddar cheese crushed tortilla chips cornbread (or cornbread croutons, cornbread muffins or this healthy skillet cornbread) pretzel bread (try it and thank me later)
Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
To Freeze
Let it cool to room temperature then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-friendly container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw on the counter or in the refrigerator. Reheat in a stockpot over low heat.
If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations! We call this easy chili recipe, “Keilah Chili” since she was born a few short hours after we all enjoyed it! So It holds a special place in my heart.
