Simple Hearty Chili Meal

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Meals

This hearty chili combines ground beef, multiple beans, and a blend of warming spices for a rich flavor profile. Sautéed onions and bell peppers add sweetness while garlic and smoked paprika deepen the taste. Simmering with diced tomatoes and broth creates a comforting, thick consistency ready in under an hour. Optional toppings like cheddar, sour cream, and fresh herbs enhance each serving. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that’s both quick and flavorful.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:18:00 GMT
Steaming Simple Weeknight Chili in a bowl, topped with shredded cheddar, ready to eat. Save
Steaming Simple Weeknight Chili in a bowl, topped with shredded cheddar, ready to eat. | hyperladle.com

A hearty, flavorful chili packed with ground beef, beans, and warming spices perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal. Ready in under an hour!

I often turn to this chili when I need something satisfying but fast. It never disappoints, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef: or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 medium yellow onion: diced
  • 1 red bell pepper: diced
  • 2 cloves garlic: minced
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can diced tomatoes:
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can kidney beans: drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans: drained and rinsed
  • 1 (6 oz / 170 g) can tomato paste:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium beef broth: or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder:
  • 1 tsp ground cumin:
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika:
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano:
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: optional for heat
  • 1 tsp salt: or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper:
  • Optional Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through about 5 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2:
Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3:
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables in the spices.
Step 4:
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Step 5:
Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 8:
Serve hot with desired toppings.
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Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.
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Product image
Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.
Check price on Amazon
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| hyperladle.com

This chili brings my family together on busy evenings, filling the house with a warm inviting aroma.

Notes

Leftovers taste even better the next day Serve with cornbread or over steamed rice for a heartier meal For added depth, stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a splash of coffee

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven Cutting board Chefs knife Wooden spoon or spatula Can opener

Allergen Information

Contains None of the major allergens if prepared as listed Toppings such as cheese and sour cream contain dairy Double-check canned goods for cross-contamination if gluten-sensitive

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A big spoonful of savory Simple Weeknight Chili, rich color and texture, close-up shot. | hyperladle.com
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This simple weeknight chili comes together quickly and satisfies every time making it a staple in my recipe collection.

Simple Hearty Chili Meal

Hearty chili featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, and spices made quickly for a warm weeknight dinner.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
40 mins
Complete Time
55 mins
Recipe by Victoria Thompson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details No Gluten

What You'll Need

Meats

01 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter option)

Vegetables

01 1 medium yellow onion, diced
02 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Goods

01 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
02 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
03 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
04 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

Liquids

01 1 cup low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth)

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp chili powder
02 1 tsp ground cumin
03 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 1/2 tsp dried oregano
05 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
06 1 tsp salt, or to taste
07 1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 01

Brown the meat: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook while breaking up with a spoon until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 02

Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 03

Incorporate spices: Mix in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables.

Step 04

Add tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.

Step 05

Combine remaining ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 06

Simmer chili: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow to simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 07

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and modify seasoning as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings as desired.

Gear Needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener

Allergy Notes

Review every ingredient for allergens and talk to your doctor if unsure.
  • No major allergens in base recipe; toppings like cheese and sour cream contain dairy.
  • Verify canned products for gluten cross-contamination if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Offered for reference only—please check with a healthcare professional for diet advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams