The Weeknight Wonder Chili Ready in a Flash

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bowl of something warm and comforting? This easy chili recipe is just the ticket. Honestly, it's packed with flavor and ready faster than you can say "Netflix and chill."

Brief Overview

Chili, a dish with roots deep in American Tex-Mex cuisine, is a comforting staple. This weeknight chili is an authentic chili adaptation.

It is ready in under an hour. This recipe yields 6-8 servings, perfect for a family meal or a casual get-together with mates.

Main Benefits

This ground beef chili recipe is not only delicious but also budget friendly. It is also packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy meal.

It's great for a classic chili recipe . Serve it on a cold night, or bring it to a potluck. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and depth of flavor.

The kind of flavors that’ll have you going back for seconds.

Let's Get This Chili On!

Right then, before we get our aprons on, let's chat ingredients.

Honestly, nothing fancy needed for this amazing chili . We are talking easy to get stuff from your local Tesco or Sainsbury’s.

I've even managed it from a corner shop in a pinch!

• 1 tbsp olive oil.
• 1 large onion, chopped.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 lb ground beef.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes.
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed.
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel).
• 2 tbsp chili powder.
• 1 tsp ground cumin.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick!).
• 1 tsp dried oregano.
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste.
• 1 cup beef broth.

Oh, and for all you topping fiends, get your shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, avocado slices, and tortilla chips ready!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Easy Chili Recipe

Alright, mate! Let's talk grub. We are diving into the heart of my weeknight chili magic. Honestly, getting the right ingredients is half the battle! This classic chili recipe is incredibly forgiving.

But quality ingredients really elevate it.

Main Ingredients Let’s Get Specific!

• Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . This is for sautéing our veggies. Any decent oil will do.
• Onion: 1 large (approx. 200g) , chopped. About 1 cup chopped, if you're in the States. A decent yellow onion is perfect.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. That’s about 2 teaspoons . Fresh is best, you know? The kind that smells pungent.
• Ground beef: 1 lb (450g) . 1 pound for our US friends. Don't skimp!
• Red bell pepper: 1 , chopped. It adds a touch of sweetness!
• Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can , undrained.
• Kidney beans: 1 (15 oz / 425g) can , drained and rinsed.
• Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425g) can , drained and rinsed. Rinsing is crucial.
• Tomatoes and green chilies: 1 (10 oz / 283g) can , undrained.
• Chili powder: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . This is where the authentic chili flavour comes from.
• Ground cumin: 1 tsp (5 ml) . Amazing chili needs this.
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) . Adds a lovely smokiness, of course.
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) . Optional but good.
• Dried oregano: 1 tsp (5 ml) . A touch of the Med in your chili.
• Salt: 1 tsp (5 ml) , or to taste.
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) , or to taste.
• Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml) .

Seasoning Notes: The Spice Rack Revelation!

The heart and soul of our ground beef chili recipe ! Don't be afraid to experiment with your spices. I used a secret blend of chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne.

Try adding a bay leaf for extra flavour.

• Chili powder + cumin: The backbone of any good chili.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavour.
• Cayenne pepper: Only if you want to kick it up a notch.
• No smoked paprika? Use regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke.

Equipment Needed Keep it Simple, Stupid!

You don’t need fancy gear for this quick chili recipe . Honestly, you probably already have everything. You can have the most budget friendly chili recipe ever with only these tools:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: A good pot is key.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring like you mean it.
• Can opener: Obviously.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key, you know.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping those lovely veggies.

Right then, that's all you need. Now go get cooking! This 30 minute chili will be a winner, winner!

Looking for some chili topping ideas ?

Cooking Method: Simmering Your Way to Chili Perfection

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good classic chili recipe ? It’s proper comfort food, innit? We're diving into the "simmering" stage of making a cracking easy chili recipe the bit where all the magic happens!

Prep Steps: The Foundation of Flavour

Essential mise en place is dead important! Get your onions chopped and garlic minced. It only takes about 15 minutes.

Having everything ready saves time and stress. Safety reminder: watch your fingers when chopping!

step-by-step: Simmering to Succulence

1. Right, you've browned your beef and added all the lovely bits. It's time to bring it to a simmer.
2. Pour in that 1 cup of beef broth. Give it a good stir.
3. Once it's bubbling gently, dial it right down to low heat.
4. Cover the pot. This traps the steam and helps the flavors meld.
5. Simmer for at least 30 minutes , or even better, 1 hour . Stir every now and then to prevent sticking.

The critical temperature for simmering is around 180- 190° F (82- 88° C) . You want it gently bubbling, not boiling like a right lunatic.

Visual cues for doneness: the chili should thicken slightly and the aromas should be driving you mad!

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Chili Game

Want to make your amazing chili even better? Toasting your spices! Before adding them, give the chili powder, cumin, and paprika a quick sizzle in the hot oil.

About a minute will do it . It'll release even more flavour.

A common mistake is rushing the simmering process. Honestly, don't. The longer it simmers, the richer and deeper the flavour gets. resist the urge to rush the process.

This ground beef chili recipe is already quite quick but If you're super strapped for time, you can use pre-chopped veg.

I won't tell anyone! You can prepare the chili a day or two in advance! The flavours actually improve overnight, making it the perfect weeknight chili .

Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Chili

Right then, let's talk nitty gritty about this easy chili recipe . You know, the bits that'll make you go "Oh my gosh, why didn't I think of that?".

It's all about turning a good ground beef chili recipe into a classic , one that becomes a family fave.

We all want that perfect authentic chili taste, don't we?

Serving Suggestions: Make It Look Pretty!

Okay, plating is key. Honestly, even the most basic weeknight chili can look fancy. Try a swirl of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar, and some chopped spring onions.

Simple, but effective! And for sides? Cornbread is a must, of course. Maybe a simple green salad for a bit of freshness.

As for drinks, a cold beer is always a winner!

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers are your best friend! Once cooled, pop your beef chili homemade into an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freezing is the way to go. It'll happily sit in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When reheating, just make sure it’s piping hot - like 75° C ( 165° F) .

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Fancy a change? No worries! Swapping out beef for ground turkey is spot on, reducing the fat. Or, for a veggie version, load up on extra beans and use veggie mince.

For seasonal changes, try adding butternut squash in autumn, honestly, it's magic.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This budget friendly chili recipe is packed with protein from the beef and beans. Loads of fiber in there too.

Think of that as a good thing. It’s also got a decent hit of iron. Just remember, it can be a bit high in sodium, so go easy on the salt when you're cooking.

So, there you have it! All the little things to make this quick chili recipe even better. Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun with it, and enjoy your 30 minute chili ! Honestly, you can't go wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this easy chili recipe even faster on a busy weeknight?

Absolutely! To speed things up, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or even a pre-made mirepoix mix (onion, celery, and carrot). Also, if you're really in a pinch, using canned chili starter or a good quality chili seasoning blend will save you from measuring out individual spices, though it might not be quite as nuanced in flavour.

Remember, it's about getting a tasty meal on the table, no soggy bottoms here!

What if I don't like kidney beans? Can I substitute them in this easy chili recipe?

Of course! Kidney beans are a classic, but feel free to swap them out for other beans you enjoy. Pinto beans, black beans (if you want to double up), or even cannellini beans would work beautifully in this easy chili recipe.

Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the pot to reduce sodium and, ahem, potential wind!

How do I store leftover chili, and how long will it last?

Storing leftover chili is a doddle! Once the chili has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. Properly stored, chili will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.

You can also freeze chili for up to 2-3 months; just thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

I want to make this chili spicier! What's the best way to add some heat?

Alright, fancy a bit of a kick, do we? There are a few ways to ramp up the heat in this easy chili recipe. You can add finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers during the sautéing stage, or stir in a dash of your favourite hot sauce while it simmers.

A pinch of cayenne pepper will also do the trick, and you can even add some red pepper flakes as a garnish for an extra visual punch.

Is this chili healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Chili can be a really nutritious meal! It's packed with protein from the beef and beans, fiber from the beans and vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, be mindful of the sodium content, especially if using canned beans and broth; rinsing the beans helps with this.

You can also use lean ground beef and load up on the veggies to make it even healthier. Of course, a massive dollop of sour cream and cheese might nudge it into treat territory!

Can I make this easy chili recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Slow cookers are brilliant for chili, especially if you want that 'simmered all day' flavour with minimal effort. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as instructed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Just give it a good stir before serving, and get ready for a chili that tastes like it's been simmering since Bake Off started!