Amazing Easy Beef Chili: 1 Hour Comfort

There’s something magical about a big, steaming bowl of chili, right? It’s pure comfort food, and honestly, it’s one of those dishes that just makes everything feel better. Over the years, I’ve messed around with a ton of chili recipes, trying to find that sweet spot between super simple and totally delicious. And let me tell you, I finally landed on it! This Easy Beef Chili is my absolute go-to, especially when life gets crazy busy. It proves you don’t need hours or a million fancy ingredients to make a chili that’s bursting with flavor. It’s one of those reliable recipes I’ve developed that just always works, saving my evenings more times than I can count.

Why This Easy Beef Chili Recipe is a Keeper

This isn’t just any chili, friends. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again because it just *works*. Here’s why it’s earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation:

• Super Speedy: Seriously, you can have this on the table in about an hour, making it perfect for those crazy weeknights.
• Effortlessly Simple: No fussy steps here! Just basic ingredients and a straightforward process that anyone can follow.
• Big Flavor, Little Effort: Don’t let the simplicity fool you. This chili is packed with savory, satisfying taste that everyone loves.
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this chili is always a hit.

Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Beef Chili

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Easy Beef Chili. It really is just a handful of simple things you probably already have in your pantry or fridge! For the best flavor, I always go for 80/20 ground beef – that little bit of extra fat really makes a difference in how rich and delicious the chili turns out. You really don’t want it too lean here, trust me!

Here’s the rundown:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is my personal fave for flavor!)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (this gives it that lovely sweet aromatic base)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skip the garlic, it’s essential!)
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed really well (gets rid of that can-y taste)
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (we want all that juice for flavor!)
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce (this helps create that perfect chili consistency)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (this is where the main chili flavor comes from!)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (adds this wonderful earthy depth)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more if you taste it and think it needs it
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Beef Chili

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making this deliciousness! Seriously, it’s so straightforward. You’ll be amazed you can make something this tasty in such a short amount of time. Trust me, I’ve made it enough times to know it’s practically foolproof.

For best results and to make sure everything cooks evenly, I always grab a good, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven. It really makes a difference, especially when you’re browning the meat and letting it all simmer away.

Browning the Beef

First things first, get your ground beef into that pot over medium-high heat. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned all over. Once it’s all cooked, carefully drain off any extra grease. We want flavor, not a greasy mess!

Adding Aromatics

Now you’ll toss in that chopped onion. Let it cook down until it’s nice and soft, which usually takes about 5 minutes. After that, add the minced garlic and stir it around for just about another minute until you can really smell it. Oh, that aroma is the best!

Combining the Chili Base

Time to bring it all together! Add in your drained and rinsed kidney beans, the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain those, we want all that liquid gold!), and the tomato sauce. Then, dump in your chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir so everything gets mixed up nicely.

Simmering for Flavor

Now, bring that wonderful chili mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling a bit, turn the heat down super low. Pop a lid on the pot, and let it do its thing for at least 30 minutes, giving it a stir every now and then. If you have the time and patience (and trust me, it’s worth it!), letting it simmer for an hour or even longer will make the flavors meld together even more beautifully. That’s my little secret for an extra-deep chili flavor!

Tips for the Best Easy Beef Chili

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let’s talk about how to really make this Easy Beef Chili sing! It’s all about a few little tricks that elevate it from good to **knock-your-socks-off** amazing. I’ve learned these over years of making chili, and they really do make a difference.

First off, don’t be afraid to play with the spices! That 1 tablespoon of chili powder is a great starting point, but if you like things a bit more robust, go ahead and add another teaspoon. Same goes for the cumin. And hey, if you’re feeling brave, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice little kick without making it too spicy. It’s all about making it *your* perfect chili!

Also, listen to your chili while it simmers. If it seems a little too thick for your liking, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. On the flip side, if it’s too thin, just let it simmer with the lid off for a bit longer – the sauce will reduce and thicken up on its own. This is honestly the beauty of homemade chili; it’s so forgiving!

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Beef Chili

Now that you’ve made this amazing Easy Beef Chili, it’s time for the best part: serving it up! And really, chili’s best friend is its toppings, right? My family pretty much goes wild with them. Shredded cheddar cheese is a must, obviously. A big dollop of cool sour cream is fantastic for taming any heat, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or chives adds a nice pop of freshness and color. Don’t forget some crunchy tortilla chips for dipping – they’re perfect for scooping up every last bit!

Beyond the toppings, this chili is fantastic served alongside a simple cornbread muffin or even some garlic bread if you’re feeling it. It’s just one of those meals that feels complete with a little something extra on the side! You could even try serving it with a side of Slow Cooker Chili Verde for a unique twist on a chili night!

Storing and Reheating Your Easy Beef Chili

One of the best things about this Easy Beef Chili recipe is that it tastes even better the next day! So don’t stress if you have leftovers – they’re actually a good thing. Once it’s cooled down a bit, pop any leftover chili into an airtight container. It’ll keep perfectly in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Honestly, I kinda look forward to having chili for lunch the next day!

If you want to make a big batch to freeze for later, that’s totally doable too! Let the chili cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It’ll stay good in the freezer for a good 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way is to let it thaw in the fridge overnight first. Then, you can gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop a portion in the microwave. Just make sure it’s heated all the way through!

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Beef Chili

Got questions about this super simple, totally delicious Easy Beef Chili? I get it! It’s one of those recipes that people love to tweak and make their own. Here are some of the most common things folks ask me, so hopefully, this clears things up!

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is super adaptable. For a hearty vegetarian version, just skip the ground beef and maybe add an extra can of beans or some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. It’ll still be packed with flavor!

What are the best beans for chili?

Kidney beans are classic for a reason, but honestly, you can totally mix it up! Pinto beans are fantastic and give a creamier texture. Black beans add a nice earthiness, and even cannellini beans can work wonderfully. Feel free to use your favorite or a combination!

How can I make my chili spicier?

If you like things with a kick, you’re in luck! You can easily amp up the heat. Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper along with the other spices, or throw in some thinly sliced jalapeños when you’re cooking the onions. A little dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end also does the trick!

Nutritional Information for Easy Beef Chili

Now, I always like to give you a heads-up on the nutritional side of things, though remember these are just estimates because every brand and every little ingredient choice can change things up a bit! This easy beef chili is pretty hearty, so you get a good dose of protein and fiber to keep you going. A typical serving clocks in around:

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: About 350
• Fat: Around 15g (with about 5g being saturated)
• Sodium: Roughly 800mg (you can control this by how much salt you add!)
• Carbohydrates: About 30g
• Fiber: A good 8g to help keep you full!
• Protein: A solid 25g

It’s a really satisfying meal that feels good to eat, and knowing these numbers can be helpful too!

Share Your Easy Beef Chili Creations!

Okay, now that you’ve hopefully whipped up a batch of this amazing Easy Beef Chili, I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Did you try any fun toppings? Did your family devour it as quickly as mine does? Please, please, please leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! And if you snapped any gorgeous photos of your chili masterpiece, tag me on social media – I live for seeing your kitchen adventures!

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