11 Perfect Chili Recipe: Bold, Flavorful, and Oh-So-Easy!

By / November 14, 2024

As the days get cooler, there’s nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of chili to keep you cozy and satisfied.

Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or feed a hungry crowd, this chili recipe has all the bold flavors and rich textures you crave.

Packed with tender beans, savory spices, and a hint of heat, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

So grab your favorite toppings, and let’s dive into a pot of fall-ready chili magic!

Easy Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Meat
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add the Vegetables
    Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, until the veggies start to soften.
  3. Add the Beans and Tomatoes
    Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
  4. Season the Chili
    Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the spices blend in well.
  5. Simmer
    Lower the heat and let the chili simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to mix and the chili to thicken.
  6. Serve with Toppings
    Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado. Enjoy your easy, comforting bowl of chili!

This recipe is quick to make and perfect for weeknights or game days!

Easy No-Bean Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, or avocado

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Meat
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add the Vegetables
    Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth
    Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine and make the chili a bit saucier.
  4. Season the Chili
    Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to blend the spices evenly.
  5. Simmer
    Lower the heat and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to deepen and the chili to thicken.
  6. Serve with Toppings
    Spoon the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or avocado.

This no-bean chili is rich, flavorful, and perfect for those who prefer a meatier bowl of chili without the beans!

Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water for a lighter consistency)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Meat
    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. (You can skip this step for a true one-pot method, but browning the meat first enhances the flavor.)
  2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
    Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
  3. Season the Chili
    Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  4. Cook on Low or High
    Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  5. Serve with Toppings
    Once done, ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.

This slow cooker chili is a no-fuss, hearty meal that’s ready when you are, making it ideal for busy days or a cozy night in. Enjoy!

Ground Beef Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth (optional, for a thinner consistency)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for added depth)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Ground Beef
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the Vegetables
    Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies start to soften and the flavors meld.
  3. Add the Beans and Tomatoes
    Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine everything.
  4. Season the Chili
    Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so that the spices are evenly distributed.
  5. Simmer the Chili
    Lower the heat and let the chili simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a thinner chili, add the beef broth as it cooks.
  6. Serve with Toppings
    Once ready, serve the chili in bowls and add your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado.

This ground beef chili is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal any time of year. Enjoy!

Vegetarian Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables
    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  2. Add Zucchini and Beans
    Add the diced zucchini, kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans to the pot. Stir to combine.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth
    Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir everything well.
  4. Season the Chili
    Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir so the spices are evenly distributed.
  5. Simmer the Chili
    Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
  6. Serve with Toppings
    Once ready, ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.

This vegetarian chili is hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein and fiber from the beans, making it a satisfying meal for everyone!

Tinned Eats Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (optional for extra texture and sweetness)
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup vegetable or beef broth (optional for consistency)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables
    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
  2. Add the Tinned Ingredients
    Add the kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir everything together.
  3. Add Broth and Seasonings
    Pour in the broth if you’d like a thinner chili. Then add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Simmer the Chili
    Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
  5. Serve with Toppings
    Once done, ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips as desired.

This easy tinned eats chili recipe is budget-friendly, quick to make, and full of flavor!

Crockpot Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water for a lighter consistency)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for added depth)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, or tortilla chips

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Meat (Optional but recommended)
    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Browning the meat first adds depth to the flavor, but you can skip this step for convenience.
  2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
    Add the browned meat to your crockpot. Then, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
  3. Season the Chili
    Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
  4. Cook on Low or High
    Cover and cook the chili on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Slow cooking will help the flavors blend beautifully and create a rich, hearty chili.
  5. Serve with Toppings
    Once ready, ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, or tortilla chips.

This crockpot chili is a no-fuss, warm, and comforting meal perfect for busy days, game nights, or cozy family dinners.

Instant Pot Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water for a lighter consistency)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for added depth)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Ground Beef
    Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté mode. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add the Vegetables
    Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the meat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Add the Remaining Ingredients
    Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the Instant Pot. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine well.
  4. Pressure Cook
    Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook (or Manual) function, set the timer for 10 minutes on High Pressure, and let the Instant Pot do its magic.
  5. Natural Release
    Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to Venting for a quick release of any remaining pressure.
  6. Serve with Toppings
    Open the lid, give the chili a good stir, and serve in bowls with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado.

This Instant Pot chili is quick, flavorful, and perfect for those days when you want a hearty meal in a fraction of the usual time. Enjoy!

Healthy Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground turkey or lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, diced (adds extra veggies!)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (low sodium if possible)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (low sodium if possible)
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: Greek yogurt (for a healthy sour cream swap), avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or green onions

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Meat
    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add Vegetables
    Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, and diced zucchini to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Add Beans and Tomatoes
    Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything to combine.
  4. Season the Chili
    Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend the spices into the mixture.
  5. Simmer
    Lower the heat and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
  6. Serve with Healthy Toppings
    Ladle the chili into bowls and top with healthy options like Greek yogurt, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or green onions.

This healthy chili recipe is packed with lean protein, fiber, and lots of veggies, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for any meal. Enjoy!

Stovetop Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth (for consistency)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for added depth)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Meat
    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add the Vegetables
    Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  3. Add Beans and Tomatoes
    Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  4. Season the Chili
    Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to make sure the spices are evenly mixed.
  5. Simmer the Chili
    Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to blend and the chili to thicken.
  6. Serve with Toppings
    Once done, ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado.

This stovetop chili is a classic, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for cozy nights in. Enjoy!

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