Hearty Classic Chili (30 Minutes)

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When you’re short on time but still craving something hearty and satisfying, this delicious chili recipe is the perfect solution. Loaded with protein and veggies, it’s a one-pot wonder that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. My family loves customizing this recipe with all kinds of toppings including cheese, sour cream, scallions, avocado, tortilla strips, or even popcorn (seriously, try that last one!). 

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper if desired
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 (15 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions

Instructions

  1. Add the olive oil to a large pot and place it over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the onion and the celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pot and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until the beef is browned.
  3. Add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir until combined.
  4. Add the broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained beans, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
  5. Bring the liquid to a low boil. Then, reduce the heat (low to medium-low) to gently simmer the chili, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. 
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. 

Notes

To save even more time, you can use pre-chopped onions and celery or canned minced garlic. If you prefer a milder chili, use less chili powder. This recipe is also great for meal prep – you can make a big batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Experiment with different toppings and spices to make it your own. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 306 calories
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 531mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 38mg

Pair this with...

Easy Corn Bread

Begin by preheating your oven and greasing a baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Add in some sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, an egg, and melted butter or oil. Now, merge the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring just until everything comes together. Pour this batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake until the top turns a lovely golden hue and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool for a moment, then slice and serve.

Greek Side Salad

Start with a bed of crisp lettuce leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces. Slice ripe tomatoes and cool cucumbers, adding them to the mix for a burst of juiciness. Slice a red onion for a hint of sharpness, its purplish hue adding depth to the color palette. Thinly slice a yellow bell pepper, its sunny disposition brightening the dish both in flavor and appearance. Scatter in glossy black olives and top your salad with crumbles of creamy feta cheese, its tangy richness a counterpoint to the salad’s crispness. For dressing, a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and perhaps a dash of oregano perfectly complements the ensemble.

Chunky Potato Salad

Start with some good-quality, sturdy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Boil them until they're fork-tender but still hold their shape. Once cooled, cut them into generous chunks. Mix in some finely chopped celery and red onion, adding both crunch and a touch of zesty flavor. For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, a dash of mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, creating a creamy blend that brings everything together. Once the potatoes are coated in this rich dressing, transfer the salad to a serving dish. For the finishing touch, give it a generous sprinkle of paprika on top. Not only does it add a subtle smokiness, but it also gives the salad a vibrant pop of color.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!