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Simple Weeknight Chili

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This straightforward chili combines browned ground beef with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic, all simmered with diced tomatoes, kidney and black beans. A blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a hint of cayenne creates a rich, warming flavor. Ready in under an hour, it pairs well with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and fresh herbs. Ideal for busy evenings, this dish offers a satisfying and gluten-free option when using certified beans. Customize heat and toppings to suit your taste.

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Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:57:00 GMT
Delicious, steaming bowl of simple weeknight chili, garnished with fresh cilantro and cheese. Pin It
Delicious, steaming bowl of simple weeknight chili, garnished with fresh cilantro and cheese. | metroladle.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 first served this chili on a busy weeknight and loved how it filled the house with warm spices while being easy to prepare

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can
  • Kidney beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
  • Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
  • Tomato paste: 1 (6 oz / 170 g) can
  • Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium (or vegetable broth)
  • Chili powder: 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp optional for heat
  • Salt: 1 tsp or to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños

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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Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.
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Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.
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This classic American simple weeknight chili simmers with hearty ground beef and flavorful spices. Pin It
This classic American simple weeknight chili simmers with hearty ground beef and flavorful spices. | metroladle.com

This chili always brings us together at the dinner table after a busy day making everyone feel warm and satisfied

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 32 g per serving

A close-up of a rich, red simple weeknight chili, ready to be enjoyed with preferred toppings. Pin It
A close-up of a rich, red simple weeknight chili, ready to be enjoyed with preferred toppings. | metroladle.com
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This simple chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily customized to your taste

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works well with the spices and beans for a similarly hearty dish.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the meat and add extra beans or chopped mushrooms to maintain texture and protein content.

→ What spices are essential for the flavor?

Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a touch of cayenne provide the deep, smoky, and warm notes.

→ What toppings enhance this chili?

Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and jalapeños add creaminess, freshness, and heat.

→ How long should I simmer the chili?

Simmer covered on low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and soften ingredients.

Simple Weeknight Chili

Hearty chili with beef, beans, and warming spices, perfect for a quick, comforting weeknight meal.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Duration
40 minutes
Total Duration
55 minutes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Output 4 Portions

Diet Details No Gluten

What You Need

Meats

01 1 lb ground beef (substitute 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

Optional Toppings

01 Shredded cheddar cheese
02 Sour cream
03 Sliced green onions
04 Fresh cilantro
05 Sliced jalapeños

How To Make It

Step 01

Brown the Meat: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 02

Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 05

Combine Remaining Ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Bring mixture to a simmer.

Step 06

Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 07

Season to Taste: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne as preferred.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with desired toppings such as cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Advice

Review each item for allergens. If you're unsure, speak with a medical expert.
  • Prepared as listed, free from major allergens; toppings with cheese or sour cream contain dairy.
  • Check canned goods for gluten cross-contamination if sensitive.

Nutritional Info (per portion)

Treat these details as a guide—they're not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 32 g