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: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir until combined.
- Add the broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained beans, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
- 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.
- Remove the pot from the heat.
- 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







