Our Favorite Easy Chili Recipe (2024)

What You’ll Love About this Healthy Chili Recipe

• Delicious classic flavor
• Nutritious and delicious
• Hearty and satisfying meal
• Made with simple ingredients
• So many ways to customize it

See Also

Take a Trip Through Africa With These 14 Vegan RecipesGnocchi in a Dairy-Free Tomato Basil Cream Sauce RecipeEasy Cabbage with Bacon RecipeCrispy Roast Potatoes Recipe - BEST EVER! (vegan, low FODMAP)

How to Make Chili

This is an overview on how to make chili, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.

FAQs

Is chili a soup?

Chili is usually considered a stew as it has less broth and liquid than soups do.

Does chili have beans?

This is a hot debate and really comes down to personal preference. Some of us can’t imagine a chili recipe with beans and some of us can’t imagine a chili recipe without them. While I tend to love the addition of beans, this chili con carne is bean-free and incredible.

How to make chili seasoning?

Many chili recipes call for chili seasoning, but I’ve made up my own for this particular recipe, as it’s made with really basic ingredients that you probably already have. You can also easily customize the seasonings depending on your preferences. Like your homemade chili spicy? Add some more cayenne, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce. Prefer a hint of cinnamon? Add it! Like it smokey? Add some canned chipotle peppers in adobo.

What do do with leftover chili?

Leftover beef chili recipes are a fantastic lunch or dinner simply reheated, but if you would like to turn it into something different, try it on chili dip, layered into tortillas with cheese for chili quesadillas, or spread over tortilla chips and topped with cheese for a hearty pan of nachos.

Why is there marinara sauce in your recipe for chili?

I love using marinara sauce in my soups and chilis! It all started with this easy minestrone soup and now I’m hooked. It gives soups and this easy homemade chili a really rich flavor, so much more than regular diced tomatoes.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

How to reheat

Reheat chili on the stovetop or in the microwave, whatever you prefer.

Can you freeze chili?

Yes, you can also freeze chili! Freeze portions into souper cubes (don’t forget to label!) and store in a freezer bag or container for 2-3 months.

How to Feed Chili to the Whole Family

I get it, feeding kids can be tough! But following theDivision of Responsibilityand knowing your job and your child’s job makes it SO much more enjoyable. You’ll be able to feed your kids any meal, which will help ensure that they are eating a variety of nutritious foods – with plenty of play food sprinkled in.

I would recommend serving the easy chili in a pinch bowl (taster bowl) if it’s a new or learning-to-like it food. Serve the meal with a few items you know your kids will eat, like fruit, milk, and/or bread and butter.

Soups and chilis can be harder for kids to enjoy as all of the components are mixed together, so be patient, it can take years and years for them to come around. This fall was the first time I remember BOTH kids enjoying it (besides when they were tiny and would eat anything!) and they are 6 and 8.

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Ingredients

UnitsScale

• 1 medium white onion
• 5 cloves garlic
• 15.5 oz. can black beans
• 15.5 oz. can kidney beans
• 2 lbs. ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4–1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 26 oz. jar garlic marinara
• 14.5 oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup bone broth
• toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, chopped onion

1. Prep ingredients:
   Chop onion. Reserve a bit for topping if you want to have some raw onions sprinkled on your chili.
   Mince garlic.
   Drain and rinse beans.
2. Heat oil in Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, add onions, and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ground beef and garlic to pot and break up beef a bit with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle seasonings over ground beef, stir to combine, and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Add marinara, tomatoes (don’t drain), beans, and broth to beef. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer for at least 15 minutes or longer.
5. Season with salt to taste and serve with plenty of toppings.

• Instead of seasonings, you can use 1 1/2-2 Tbsp. of chili powder. Add salt to taste.
• Be sure that your marinara sauce is a plainer version, and not one with Italian flavors.
• Bone broth helps add a really deep and rich flavor, use it if you can!