Simple Hearty Weeknight Chili

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This chili combines ground beef with kidney and black beans, simmered in a mix of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a warm, comforting bowl. Aromatics like onion, red bell pepper, and garlic add depth, while tomato paste and diced tomatoes enhance richness. Ready in under an hour, it's ideal for busy weeknights. Optional toppings such as cheddar, sour cream, and jalapeños can elevate flavor and texture. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or omit meat entirely.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:29:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of simple weeknight chili topped with cheddar cheese and green onions. Pin It
A steaming bowl of simple weeknight chili topped with cheddar cheese and green onions. | pecanpan.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!

This simple weeknight chili quickly became a family favorite after I served it on a chilly evening It never fails to bring comfort and smiles

Ingredients

  • Meats: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion diced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Canned Goods: 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
  • Liquids: 1 cup (240 ml) low sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth)
  • Spices & Seasonings: 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 jalapeños

Instructions

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 57 minutes Drain excess fat if needed
Step 2:
Add diced onion and red bell pepper Sauté for 45 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 2530 minutes stirring occasionally
Step 7:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
Step 8:
Serve hot with desired toppings
Hearty and flavorful simple weeknight chili, perfect for a cozy, comforting American meal at home. Pin It
Hearty and flavorful simple weeknight chili, perfect for a cozy, comforting American meal at home. | pecanpan.com

Our whole family gathers around the table sharing stories and enjoying this chili especially on cold nights It brings us closer

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 (per serving)

Calories 410, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 32 g

The savory aroma of simple weeknight chili fills the air, ready in under an hour for dinner. Pin It
The savory aroma of simple weeknight chili fills the air, ready in under an hour for dinner. | pecanpan.com

This chili is perfect for busy nights and makes excellent leftovers Enjoy experimenting with your favorite toppings

Questions & Answers

What type of meat works best for this chili?

Ground beef offers rich flavor, but ground turkey is a lighter alternative that also works well.

Can this chili be made vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the meat and increase beans or add mushrooms for extra texture.

How can I adjust the spiciness level?

Modify the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.

What toppings complement this chili?

Shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, green onions, and fresh cilantro add flavor and texture.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and it simmers for 40 minutes, totaling just under an hour.

Can this chili be served with sides?

Yes, it pairs well with cornbread or steamed rice for a more filling meal.

Simple Hearty Weeknight Chili

Hearty chili featuring ground beef, beans, and spices prepared for a comforting quick meal.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Created by Anthony Hughes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary 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

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Incorporate spices: Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat meat and vegetables.

Step 04

Add tomato paste: Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavors.

Step 05

Combine canned ingredients and broth: Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.

Step 06

Simmer chili: Lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 07

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and modify seasoning if needed. Serve hot with preferred toppings.

Tools You Need

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

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient, check for allergens, and talk to a professional if needed.
  • No major allergens present if prepared as instructed.
  • Optional toppings containing dairy such as cheese and sour cream.
  • Check canned products for cross-contamination if gluten-sensitive.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference and isn’t medical guidance.
  • Kcal: 410
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 32 g