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    Home » Recipes » Soups

    Easy Chili Recipe

    By: Jessica · Posted: Oct 20, 2021 · Updated: Mar 24, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    easy chili recipe

    Easy Chili Recipe: An easy recipe that just may be voted the best chili recipe because it is the perfect base for your favorite chili toppings!

    It’s a classic chili recipe that’s perfect for game day, a large crowd or to serve your family on a weeknight!

    Easy Chili with cheese, fritos and sour cream

    Why You’ll Love this Recipe

    We love this chili around here because it can be so versatile, and each person can customize the flavor how they wish!

    With this basic chili recipe, that’s made with simple ingredients, you can either add your favorite secret ingredient, or the ingredients that make up your favorite chili recipe.

    See additional topping ideas and mix-ins below!

    We especially love making Frito Chili Pies with this chili recipe!

    How to make this easy homemade chili recipe

    Grab a large pot and get ready for a hearty chili that will soon become a family favorite.

    Easy Chili Recipe in White Dish with Cheese and Corn chips

    Ingredients

    Make sure to scroll down to the full recipe card with ingredients and instructions for this perfect comfort food recipe.

    • chili beans
    • tomato sauce
    • cumin
    • sliced cheese (we prefer thick sliced american cheese from the deli.)
    • ground beef

    The ingredients are something that you can have on hand, or literally grab at the grocery store super quick, and come home and throw together in a pinch, in bulk, for a crowd, making it the perfect last-minute easy dinner recipe too!

    Ingredients for chili recipe

    Step by Step Instructions

    1. First, cook 1 lb. of ground beef over medium heat, in the pot you’ll be making your chili in. (You can use a separate dish but this saves on having more dirty dishes!)

      Cook for about 7-10 minutes until beef is fully cooked and it is no longer pink.

      If the ground beef you’re cooking has a higher fat content, this could result in a bit of grease in the pot after cooking. For best results, drain the grease and discard grease. (DO NOT DRAIN GREASE IN TO SINK!)
    Cooked ground beef in pot
    1. Once the ground beef is full cooked, it’s time to add the chili beans, tomato sauce, cumin and sliced cheese.
    chili ingredients in pot
    1. Stir to combine the ingredients, and cook over low-medium heat, let the chick over a gentle simmer, until the chili has cooked through, and the cheese has melted. (Usually about 15 minutes.)
    Chili simmering in pot
    1. If desired, serve as is!
    Hearty chili in white bowl

    Chili Topping Ideas and Mix-Ins

    Although this basic chili is amazing as it is, it’s always fun to add additional toppings and spices too! Here are our favorite suggestions:

    Spices

    • salt
    • pepper
    • garlic salt
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • paprika
    • oregano

    Love spicy chili?

    Easily add items like:

    • cayenne pepper
    • chili powder
    • jalapeno peppers
    • hot sauce
    • red bell pepper
    • chopping green onion or white onions

    Looking for a sweet chili?

    You can add ingredients such as:

    • a little brown sugar
    • white granulated sugar
    • honey
    • sweet corn

    Garnish and Serve with:

    • shredded cheddar cheese
    • corn chips (or Fritos)
    • dollop of sour cream
    • tortilla chips
    • saltine crackers
    • oyster crackers
    • chopped white onions
    • chopped red onions
    • sliced avocado
    • peanut butter
    Chili with cheese, sour cream and fritos

    What to serve with chili?

    Having a big pot of chili is a meal in itself… but there’s nothing better than serving a delicious sandwich or pairing with a big bowl of chili!

    Our favorite side dishes for chili are:

    • peanut butter and jelly sandwich
    • syrup and peanut butter sandwich
    • peanut butter and honey sandwich
    • corn bread
    • cinnamon rolls (I hear that’s a midwest thing!)
    • grilled cheese
    • caprese grilled cheese
    • tomato mozzarell wrap
    • side salad

    Or have a chili bar, along with a hot dog bar, if hosting a party!

    How to store leftover chili

    Usually, when making this easy chili recipe, I like to make a double batch so we have leftovers to eat the next day or freeze.

    Refrigerate Leftovers:

    If you plan to eat leftover chili the next day, simply store the leftovers in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed for the next 4-5 days.

    Freezing Leftovers:

    Chili freezes so well, and it’s so great to have premade chili on a day or weeknight when there’s not a lot of time to cook.

    Store chili in a freezable container or in plastic zip-top bags.

    How to reheat chili:

    If refrigerated – Simply place in a microwaveable bowl, and cover with a paper towel (to prevent chili from splattering all over the inside of the microwave) and cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, reheat on medium heat for 5 minutes or until heated through.

    If frozen – Thaw a container of chili in hot water and then place in a microwavable dish or small soup pot for the stove. Then follow the above steps for reheating for eating.

    Related Recipes

    If you love chili, you’ll also love this White Chicken Chili Recipe, Vegetarian Chili Recipe and this Venison Chili Recipe!

    Easy Chili Recipe in white bowl

    Easy Chili Recipe

    Jessica Burgess
    Easy Chili Recipe: An easy recipe that just may be voted the best chili recipe because it is the perfect base for your favorite chili toppings!
    4.11 from 28 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Course, Soup
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 358 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 2 14-ounce cans chili beans
    • 1 14-ounce can tomato sauce
    • 2 Tablespoons cumin
    • 3-4 Slices thick American cheese or 8 slices of thin
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • First, cook 1 lb. of ground beef over medium heat, in the pot you'll be making your chili in.
    • Cook ground beef for about 7-10 minutes until beef is fully cooked and it is no longer pink. If the ground beef you're cooking has a higher fat content, this could result in a bit of grease in the pot after cooking. For best results, drain the grease and discard grease.
    • Reduce to low-medium heat.
    • Add in tomato sauce, chili beans, cumin and sliced cheese and stir to combine.
    • Rreduce heat to gentle simmer.
    • Let simmer for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Serve with favorite toppings if desired!

    Video

    Notes

    Chili Topping Ideas and Mix-Ins
    Although this basic chili is amazing as it is, it’s always fun to add additional toppings and spices too! Here are our favorite suggestions:
    Spices
    • salt
    • pepper
    • garlic salt
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • paprika
    • oregano
    Love spicy chili?
    Easily add items like:
    • cayenne pepper
    • chili powder
    • jalapeno peppers
    • hot sauce
    • red bell pepper
    • chopping green onion or white onions
    Looking for a sweet chili?
    You can add ingredients such as:
    • a little brown sugar
    • white granulated sugar
    • honey
    • sweet corn
    Garnish and Serve with:
    • shredded cheddar cheese
    • corn chips (or Fritos)
    • dollop of sour cream
    • tortilla chips
    • saltine crackers
    • oyster crackers
    • chopped white onions
    • chopped red onions
    • sliced avocado
    • peanut butter
    How to store leftover chili
    Usually when making this easy chili recipe, I like to make a double batch so we have leftovers to eat the next day or freeze.
    Refrigerate Leftovers:
    If you plan to eat leftover chili the next day, simply store the leftovers in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed for the next 4-5 days.
    Freezing Leftovers:
    Chili freezes so well, and it’s so great to have premade chili on a day or weeknight when there’s not a lot of time to cook.
    Store chili in a freezable container or in plastic zip-top bags.
    How to reheat chili:
    If refrigerated – Simply place in a microwaveable bowl, and cover with a paper towel (to prevent chili from splattering all over the inside of the microwave) and cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, reheat on medium heat for 5 minutes or until heated through.
    If frozen – Thaw a container of chili in hot water and then place in a microwavable dish or small soup pot for the stove. Then follow the above steps for reheating for eating.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving (1/4 recipe) | Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 349mg | Potassium: 380mg | Vitamin A: 185IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 213mg | Iron: 4.3mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keywords easy chili recipe, homemade chili, quick dinner recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Filed Under: Dinner Recipes, Recipes, Soups, Stove-Top

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sharyn pionto says

      October 03, 2015 at 2:55 pm

      I also had elbow macaroni to this chili and have been making it for years

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        October 04, 2015 at 4:37 am

        Yummo!!! That sounds delicious!!!

        Reply
    2. Patricia Weigand says

      October 04, 2015 at 12:30 pm

      This looks good and I intend to try this recipe. Glad I watched the video because you did not include the sizes of the cans. I am fortunate to have a Schnucks where I live and I intend to make this soon. Thanks for posing.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        October 05, 2015 at 9:55 am

        Oh shoot! You’re right! I didn’t include that on the recipe ingredients! Thank you! I’ll go back and add that! 🙂

        Reply
        • Kay Schlosser says

          October 05, 2015 at 10:42 am

          I add one can of coca cola and one bottle/can of beer, two tablespoons of Hersheys cocoa and one packaged of Chilli Man chilli mix.

          Reply
          • Jessica says

            October 10, 2015 at 10:26 am

            Oh my goodness!!! I’ve never heard of adding those items! Love it!

            Reply
        • Patricia Weigand says

          October 05, 2015 at 12:22 pm

          As long as you are adding the size of the can you might want to add (Mexican Style) chili beans. Can’t wait to try this!

          Reply
    3. Amy says

      March 23, 2020 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      I LOVE this recipe! It is so simple and easy and I don’t know why it tastes better than other, but IT DOES!! I think the slices of cheese just give it something special and make it nice and rich! 100% recommend. Thank you to you and your mama for sharing.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        March 27, 2020 at 10:19 am

        Awww thank you! I’ll have to let her know what you said! 🙂 So glad that you like it!

        Reply
    4. Lily says

      October 21, 2021 at 1:22 am

      5 stars
      This recipe was so hearty and perfect for this nasty cold day!! Made for an amazing family dinner, I served it with cornbread and we loved the hearty meal!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        October 21, 2021 at 11:50 am

        I love that you made this chili recipe and loved it too! It’s perfect for that kind of day. And with cornbread… YUM… that sounds delish! Thank you so much for sharing!

        Reply
    5. Allyssa says

      October 21, 2021 at 4:04 am

      5 stars
      This is really easy to make and tasted super delicious! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing chili recipe! Will surely have this again, highly recommended!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        October 21, 2021 at 12:03 pm

        Oh good, I’m so happy that you thought this chili was easy and delicious!! Thank you for sharing and for leaving a review!

        Reply
    6. Erin says

      October 21, 2021 at 6:01 am

      5 stars
      I love how easy this was! So tasty and super easy. Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        October 21, 2021 at 12:03 pm

        Right? Easy recipes are my favorite! Haha. Thank you for taking the time to let us know!

        Reply

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