Quick Chili with Beans (Printable)

A hearty, savory chili featuring beans, tomatoes, and spices for a fast, satisfying meal.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Proteins

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

→ 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

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. If using plant-based crumbles, cook following package directions.
02 - Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
04 - Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat meat and vegetables.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, drained beans, and broth. Stir to combine evenly.
06 - Bring mixture to a simmer. Lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
08 - Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with preferred toppings such as cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheddar, or jalapeños.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick to prepare using canned beans and tomatoes
  • Customizable for different dietary needs
02 -
  • This chili is gluten-free and can be made vegetarian or dairy-free with simple swaps.
  • Makes excellent leftovers and tastes even better the next day.
03 -
  • Double the batch for meal prep or freezing.
  • Let chili rest a few minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
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