Quick & Easy Chili Recipe: Simple and the BEST! Fantabulosity (2024)

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. If you’re in to food bar ideas, make a soup bar, and serve up this chili with this Cowboy Stew and this Buffalo Chicken Soup for an awesome selection!

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.

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 (See our other ground beef dinner ideas!)

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!

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!)

2. Once the ground beef is full cooked, it’s time to add the chili beans, tomato sauce, cumin and sliced cheese.

3. 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.)

4. If desired, serve as is!

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

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 chicken sandwich
• 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.

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

Or if you’re just looking for an easy soup recipe in the winter, this ham and beans recipe is so nice to add to the dinner rotation!

📖 Recipe