Quick Chili with Beans (Printable)

Hearty chili combining beans, tomatoes, and spices for a fast, filling dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian option)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Canned Goods

05 - 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
06 - 2 cans (14 oz each) beans (kidney, black, or pinto), drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

07 - 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth

→ Spices

08 - 2 tbsp chili powder
09 - 1 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Toppings

14 - Chopped fresh cilantro
15 - Sour cream or plain yogurt
16 - Shredded cheddar cheese
17 - Sliced jalapeños

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until evenly browned, approximately 5 minutes. For vegetarian option, cook plant-based crumbles following package directions.
02 - Add diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Mix in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat vegetables and meat.
05 - Pour diced tomatoes with their juices, rinsed beans, and broth into the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
08 - Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with desired toppings such as cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or jalapeños.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare with pantry ingredients
  • Customizable for different diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free)
02 -
  • This chili is naturally gluten-free if you check labels on broth and beans
  • To make it dairy-free or vegetarian, omit cheese and sour cream or swap the protein
03 -
  • Double the batch and freeze portions for future meals
  • Swap beans or add extra vegetables such as corn or carrots for variety
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