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The Best Easy Beef Chili

A warm, comforting beef chili loaded with hearty beans, zesty spices, and fresh vegetables, perfect for chilly nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Use regular or lean ground beef.
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed Can substitute with black or pinto beans.
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained Provides moisture and flavor.
  • 1 onion, chopped Yellow or white onions work well.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended for better flavor.
Spices
  • 1 tbsp chili powder Adjust to taste for spiciness.
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season according to your preference.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large pot, set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
  4. Bring the chili to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
  5. Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you prefer it spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
  6. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of toppings like cheese, avocados, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

You can use lean turkey or chicken instead of beef. To store, let it cool and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; it can also be frozen for up to 3 months.