Name: Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 lb ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp cumin; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1.5 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; pinch cayenne powder; 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes; 1 15 oz can tomato sauce; 1 15 oz can pinto beans; 1 15 oz can kidney beans; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp honey; 2 cups beef broth; Sour cream; Greek yogurt; Cheese; Green onion; Fritos; Cilantro

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free meal that your whole family will love, you’re in the right place. This Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe is exactly that—packed with hearty ingredients and warming spices, yet simple enough to whip up any day of the week. I absolutely love how this chili comes together with minimal effort but delivers big on taste. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to chili recipe too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Quick: You can have this chili simmering in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor Profile: The combo of chili powder, cumin, and a hint of honey creates a perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
Family-Friendly Comfort: My family goes crazy for this chili—it’s hearty, satisfying, and hits all the cozy food notes.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients or toppings to fit your taste or dietary needs.

The image shows a white bowl filled with thick chili, dark brown with visible kidney beans and small green herbs mixed in. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream at the center, surrounded by thin yellow shredded cheese and curved, crunchy-looking yellow corn chips. Chopped green onions and finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the sour cream and cheese. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered green herbs and a small white bowl with extra chopped green onions nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Ground Beef Chili, hearty chili recipe, quick ground beef chili, flavorful beef chili, family-friendly chili

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe work harmoniously to create that classic chili taste we all crave. From savory ground beef to a blend of spices that pack a punch without overwhelming, each component plays a key role. Plus, using canned beans and tomatoes keeps things convenient and pantry-friendly.

Flat lay of a small puddle of golden olive oil served in a simple white ceramic bowl, one whole small yellow onion with a few cubes diced next to it, a mound of fresh raw ground beef, three whole garlic bulbs, two small white ceramic bowls containing vibrant red chili powder and light brown cumin powder, two smaller white ceramic bowls with pale beige garlic powder and bright white salt crystals, a tiny pinch of bright red cayenne powder in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl holding vivid red diced fresh tomatoes, another white bowl with smooth bright red tomato paste, two separate white ceramic bowls filled with plump pinto beans and glossy dark red kidney beans, a small white bowl with clear golden honey, and a white bowl with rich brown beef broth, all ingredients arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Ground Beef Chili, hearty chili recipe, quick ground beef chili, flavorful beef chili, family-friendly chili

Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and beef, adding a subtle richness.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down.
Ground beef: This chili’s hearty base; I prefer lean to keep it less greasy.
Garlic: Fresh and minced, elevates the aroma and flavor wonderfully.
Chili powder: The star spice that brings warmth and chili flavor.
Cumin: Adds an earthy, smoky layer to the spice mix.
Garlic powder: Supplements the fresh garlic for a more intense taste.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Cayenne powder: Just a pinch to give a pleasant heat without overpowering.
Diced tomatoes: Keep it classic with canned, which softens beautifully during cooking.
Tomato sauce: Adds a smooth tomato base for richness.
Pinto beans: Great for creaminess and protein-packed texture.
Kidney beans: Adds color and that familiar chili bean texture.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the chili deliciously.
Honey: Balances the acidity and spices with a touch of natural sweetness.
Beef broth: Brings everything together with moisture and extra flavor depth.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe is a blank canvas to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Over time, I’ve found small tweaks that make it even better or fit specific dietary needs—feel free to make it yours!

Spicy Kick: Sometimes, I add extra cayenne or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions for more heat—it really wakes things up.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out ground beef for diced mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead.
Bean Variations: Use black beans or chickpeas instead if that’s what you have on hand. It still tastes great!
Slow Cooker Version: Brown the meat and onions first, then dump everything into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for hands-off magic.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced yellow onion. I like to let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s fragrant and just turning translucent—that’s when all those lovely flavors start building. Next, add your ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Right after that, toss in the minced garlic and stir it in for about 30 seconds to a minute—you want the garlic fragrant but not burnt.

Step 2: Add Spices and Stir

This part is where the magic begins. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and just a pinch of cayenne powder. Give everything a good stir so the spices coat the beef and onion mixture evenly. I always take a moment here to inhale the aroma—if your kitchen smells like this, you’re doing great!

Step 3: Mix in Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Now, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato paste, honey, and beef broth. Stir it all together until well combined. I love how the tomato paste thickens the chili while the honey softens the acidity—this combo always impresses me.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavor

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low to let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and to help everything meld beautifully. This simmering step is where the flavors deepen and the chili thickens up to that perfect hearty consistency. If you find it thickening too much, just add a splash more broth or water.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your chili is done simmering, ladle it into bowls and dress it up with your favorite toppings. I can’t resist a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, a handful of shredded cheese, some chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. And if you want some crunch? Fritos are my personal weakness!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe

Brown the Beef Well: Taking your time to brown the beef and onions properly adds a deeper, caramelized flavor you’ll notice in every bite.
Balance the Heat: I usually start with a pinch of cayenne and adjust after simmering—this way you control the spice instead of guessing upfront.
Don’t Skip the Honey: The bit of sweetness cuts through the acidity and round out flavors, making your chili taste well-balanced.
Stir Occasionally: Keeping an eye on your chili and stirring prevents it from sticking or burning on the bottom, preserving the perfect texture.

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe

The image shows three white bowls filled with rich, dark red chili with visible beans and minced meat. Each bowl is topped with a dollop of white sour cream in the center, surrounded by bright yellow strips of cheddar cheese and curled, crunchy, light golden corn chips. Small pieces of chopped green onion and fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. Around the bowls, there are lime wedges and extra chopped green onions in small white bowls on a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand holding a spoon in the bottom right bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Ground Beef Chili, hearty chili recipe, quick ground beef chili, flavorful beef chili, family-friendly chili

Garnishes

I’m all about those finishing touches that make chili feel special. I usually top mine with a cool scoop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to contrast the heat, some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for melty goodness, chopped green onions for freshness, and a handful of crispy Fritos for that irresistible crunch. Cilantro adds a bright herbal note that I always reach for if I have it on hand.

Side Dishes

This chili is a full meal on its own, but I love pairing it with cornbread—warm and buttery, it’s perfect for sopping up every last bit. A simple green salad can lighten things up, or if you’re feeling indulgent, some tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa make a great companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or casual get-togethers, I like to set out a chili bar with all the toppings in little bowls—everyone can customize their own bowl or even make chili nachos. Another fun twist is serving this chili over baked potatoes or in soft pretzel buns for a handheld chili dog vibe. It’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the chili cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container before placing it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your portion in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s thicker than you’d like, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. I’ve found that reheating gently keeps the flavors fresh and the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s an easy, hands-off way to develop rich flavors.
What can I substitute for ground beef?

If you want to switch it up, ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter option. For vegetarian chili, try using plant-based meat crumbles or extra beans and veggies instead.
How spicy is this chili?

This recipe has a mild to medium heat level because the cayenne is used sparingly. You can always adjust the spice to your liking by adding more cayenne, chili powder, or fresh peppers during cooking.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?

You can, but be sure to cook the beans thoroughly beforehand as fresh beans take much longer to cook and need proper preparation. Canned beans keep the recipe quick and convenient without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What’s the best way to thicken this chili if it’s too watery?

Simmer it a bit longer uncovered to reduce the liquid, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste. Another trick I learned is adding a small amount of masa harina (corn flour) mixed with water, which adds body and a subtle corn flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe has honestly become one of my all-time favorites for a reason—it’s simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just to meal prep for the week, this chili hits the spot every time. Give it a try soon; I promise it’ll warm you up from the inside out and might just become your new favorite too!