Ground Beef Chili Simple

Name: Ground Beef Chili Simple
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup beef broth; Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Food Ideas

I love cozy nights in with a warm bowl of chili, and this Ground Beef Chili Simple recipe truly hits the spot. It’s packed with flavor and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. I enjoy the rich, savory notes of the beef combined with the subtle heat of chili powder, and the best part is how customizable it is—add your favorite beans or peppers! Get ready to savor a warming dish that’s sure to please everyone.

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-01T16:41:36.007Z

Throughout my culinary journey, I've discovered that a good chili can lift spirits and warm hearts. I’ve experimented with various ingredients over the years, but this simple yet satisfying version has become my go-to. By browning the beef first and adding spices directly to the meat, I found that it intensifies the overall flavor. It’s crucial not to skip the simmering step—it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

One tip that I swear by is to let the chili sit for a few minutes after cooking. This waiting period helps enhance the tastes, allowing the spices to really shine through. If there are leftovers, they only get better the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option!

What You'll Love About This Chili
Simple and quick to prepare without sacrificing flavor
Rich and hearty, perfect for chilly evenings
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings or ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Flavor

The star of this Ground Beef Chili is, of course, the ground beef itself. Choosing a quality beef, preferably 80/20 for the right balance of flavor and fat, enhances the richness of the chili. As it browns in the pan, the Maillard reaction activates, developing deep flavors that serve as the base for your dish. To achieve the perfect sear, ensure the pot is hot before adding the beef, and avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming.

Kidney beans add both texture and protein to the chili. You can use canned beans for convenience, but if you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the mix. The canned tomatoes provide acidity, which balances the richness of the beef. Opt for diced tomatoes with green chilies for an extra kick, elevating the overall flavor profile even more.

Tips for Perfect Chili Consistency

Achieving the right consistency is crucial for an outstanding chili. If the chili turns out too thick during the simmering stage, simply add more beef broth a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if you find it too watery, allow it to simmer uncovered; this helps with evaporation and thickening the mixture. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Letting the chili sit for a few minutes after cooking can also improve its flavor as it allows the spices to meld further. I find that letting it rest covered for about 10 minutes intensifies the taste, enhancing the overall experience. If serving later, consider refrigerating overnight; you may notice even better flavors the next day after the chili has had time to develop.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your chili flourish:

Chili Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup beef broth
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

Feel free to get creative with your choice of beans or spices!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your own delicious chili:

Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Spices and Tomatoes

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Then, add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.

Incorporate Beans

Add the kidney beans to the chili and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with your choice of optional toppings.

Enjoy the hearty goodness of your homemade chili!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables, or top your chili with sliced avocado for a creamy finish.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Chili is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with cornbread or over a bed of rice. For a heartier meal, serve it with tortilla chips for dipping or as a base for nachos. I love adding a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese melts beautifully over the top, creating a creamy finish.

For a fun twist, you can also try making chili-stuffed bell peppers. Simply hollow out the peppers and fill them with the chili mixture, then bake in the oven until the peppers are tender. This adds a colorful, nutritious element to your meal, appealing to both eyes and taste buds.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare with this tasty chili!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To extend its shelf life, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags, where it can last up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming.

Reheating chili often enhances its flavor further due to the combination of spices continuing to meld. If you find the chili slightly thickened after refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth while reheating to return it to your desired consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well and will still provide a delicious flavor.

→ How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can reduce calories by using leaner meat, incorporating more vegetables, or opting for low-sodium beans and broth.

→ Can I freeze leftover chili?

Yes, chili freezes well! Store it in airtight containers for up to three months.

→ What's the best way to reheat chili?

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally for even heating.