Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (2024)

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With this Quick Chili Recipe, you and your family can enjoy chili in less than 30 minutes! I love making this recipe for a quick weeknight meal on a chilly Fall or Winter evening.

Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (1)

This quick chili recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor!

We call this the BEST chili recipe because well…. it is amazing. This easy quick chili recipe is super simple, but we love it. You don’t need any crazy ingredients for an amazing chili and this recipe proves exactly that.

First you want to start with our homemade chili seasoning. Skip the packets and make this instead! I promise you will love the flavor and you will be so happy that you can pronounce all the ingredients.

You might also like Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe for a delicious twist on classic chili recipe! It’s so good!

Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (2)

What ingredients for quick chili do you need?

  • 2 pounds of ground beef or turkey
  • 2 cans of diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 oz) of tomato sauce
  • 1 can of water (might need two if you want it thinner)
  • 4 tablespoons of chili seasoning (you can make your own -recipe to come- or use a half of a packet of chili powder)
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic salt
  • ½ onion chopped (can be frozen)
  • 2 cans of kidney beans (you can use yours from the freezer) -if you use beans from the freezer, you will need to add salt (canned beans have a ton of salt)
  • shredded cheese or sour cream to serve (optional)
Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (3)

How to make chili fast?

In a large stock pot, brown your ground beef or ground turkey over medium high heat until no longer pink.

I love to use my Pampered chef mix n chop to break up the meat evenly. We normally do 1 pound of ground beef and one pound of ground turkey. I save money and no one can taste the difference.

Then add in the ½ onion and continue until they are soft. Next stir in the remaining ingredients.

Then bring to a boil on medium high heat.

Next turn to low, add the lid and let simmer (stirring occasionally).

Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (4)

How long should you cook this fast chili recipe?

Allow the chili to simmer for 30 minutes up to an hour to let all the flavors combine. I prefer for a minimum of 30 minutes for the flavors to marinate together. It takes amazing and is ready in half an hour!

Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (5)

What to serve with Chili

I love serving this recipe with sour cream, shredded cheese, Fritos, Saltines, or our Homemade cornbread recipe or our Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe.

Check out our What to Serve with Chili post for more ideas.

You can easily double or triple this easy chili recipe.

We double and triple it all the time. It is great to make for a crowd and the leftovers freeze great for a quick and easy dinner for your family.

Variation ideas:

This quick and easy homemade chili recipe is very versatile and you can easily change it up to make it work for your family.

The easiest way to change up this recipe is to use your favorite type of beans instead of kidney beans. I have made this recipe with pinto beans and black beans and both were delicious!

Use your favorite type of beans and it’ll bring that flavor to this chili recipe.

Also, if you like spicy foods, I recommend that you add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to this chili recipe and it’ll add a little heat to this recipe.

How to Freeze Chili

Freezing Chili is very easy. Check out Can You Freeze Chili for more tips and tricks.

Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (7)

Print this easy chili recipe:

Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (8)

Review

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Easy Quick Chili Recipe

4.92 from 58 votes

Make this easy quick chili recipe. We call it the amazing chili, because it is that good. Make this easy chili recipe with beans or without beans.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 6

Cuisine American

Course Main Course

Calories 562

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
  • 2 cans diced or crushed tomatoes 14 oz cans
  • (1) 14 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 can water (might need two if you want it thinner)
  • 4 tablespoons chili seasoning (you can make your own -recipe to come- or use a half of a packet)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 onion chopped (can be frozen)
  • 2 cans of kidney beans (you can use yours from the freezer -if you use beans from the freezer, you will need to ad salt (canned beans have a ton of salt))
  • shredded cheese or sour cream to serve (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large stock pot, brown your ground beef or ground turkey. I love to use my Pampered chef mix n chop to break up the meat evenly. We normally do 1 pound of ground beef and one pound of ground turkey. I save money and no one can taste the difference.

  • Add in the ½ onion and continue until they are soft.

  • Stir in the chili seasoning, tomatoes, water, and beans.

  • Bring to a boil.

  • Then turn to low, add the lid and let simmer (stirring occasionally).

  • Simmer for 30 minutes up to an hour to let all the flavors combine.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

This recipe is a crowd pleaser! You can easily double or tripe this recipe to feed how many ever you have coming over.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 562kcal, Carbohydrates 34g, Protein 36g, Fat 31g, Saturated Fat 11g, Cholesterol 107mg, Sodium 1421mg, Potassium 1397mg, Fiber 12g, Sugar 9g, Vitamin A 2745IU, Vitamin C 19.2mg, Calcium 135mg, Iron 7.8mg

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Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (9)

If you love cornbread as much as I do, you have to try thisHomemade Cornbread Mix Recipe.

Try these other easy chili recipes:

  • Crockpot Chili Recipe
  • Crock Pot Pumpkin Chili Recipe
  • Crock Pot Chipotle Chili Recipe
  • Copycat Wendy’s Chili Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Vegetable and Beef Chili Recipe
  • One Pot Tex-Mex Chicken Chili
  • Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (10)

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About the Author

Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (19)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Quick and Easy Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  1. Brown the Meat.
  2. Don't Forget Vegetables.
  3. Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  4. Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  5. Opt for Dried Beans.
  6. Season Early and Often.
  7. Add Some Acidity at the End.
  8. Top It Off.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Do you put bean juice in chili? ›

If you really want a thick chili but you're cooking your beans from scratch, just add ½-3/4 cup juice to the dish and then add more little by little if you want.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Here are some of the most common (and most effective) flavor boosters to add to your chili recipe.
  • Booze (Beer, Wine, or Liquor) ...
  • Liquid Smoke. ...
  • Brine or Vinegar. ...
  • Soy Sauce. ...
  • Fish Sauce. ...
  • Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  • Coffee or Espresso Powder. ...
  • Chocolate.
Aug 23, 2021

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What makes can chili taste better? ›

Professional chefs shared their favorite ways to turn a can of chili into a tastier option. Cocoa, beer, and cinnamon are ingredients that'll boost the flavor of your dish. Fresh toppings are an easy way to add new flavor and texture to the premade meal.

Why would you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

What does paprika do for chili? ›

Think of paprika as the gentler, sweeter cousin of hot chili peppers. It enlivens your favorite dishes with fruity notes and a toasty red color without ever taking over the show.

What is chili magic? ›

Where there's chipotle smoke, there's chili fire. Bush's® Chili Magic® Campfire Style brings tender pintos together with smoky chipotle and green bell peppers for quick, unforgettable chili any night of the week.​ Available in: 15.5 oz.

How to make chili taste good? ›

How to Give Chili a Flavor Boost
  1. Add something acidic. ...
  2. Try to identify what about your chili is boring. ...
  3. Add tomato paste. ...
  4. Drop in some chocolate. ...
  5. Embrace pickling liquid. ...
  6. Stir in some molasses.

Why do you put butter in chili? ›

Butter smooths out the bitterness and adds its unique richness, making you take another bite without quite knowing why. A dash of sugar and vinegar gives a sweet-sour flavor that also makes the sauce rounder and more satisfying.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the best liquid to add to chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

Should I drain tomatoes for chili? ›

Cooking Instructions

DO NOT DRAIN CHILI BEANS. (That's what thickens it up, I don't use tomato paste) add juice and all! Do Not drain Stewed tomatoes,diced tomatoes,or tomatoes with green chiles. Add all ingredients, and seasoning, mix.

What is the secret to competition chili? ›

Additional Depth of Flavor

Ingredients like tomato paste, cinnamon, coffee and liquid smoke can all add flavor hints that will make your chili cook-off entry unique. Roast your vegetables and use broth or beer instead of water for even more flavor in your pot.

How do you make chili taste deeper? ›

Coffee. A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long.

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