This 30-minute chili is a hearty dish packed with beans, ground meat, and delicious spices. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd!
I love how quick this chili comes together. Just throw everything in a pot and let it simmer. You’ll have a warm meal ready before you can even finish your favorite show! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the chili. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Vegetarian ground meat or lentils work well for a meat-free version. I love using beef for a richer flavor.
Beans: Kidney and black beans add great texture and protein. If you’re not a fan of black beans, you can use pinto beans or even chickpeas. If avoiding beans, add extra veggies like zucchini or corn instead.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper gives sweetness and color. Feel free to swap it with green pepper, which is a bit more bitter, or even other colors like yellow or orange for a sweeter flavor. I like to throw in some diced poblano for a spicy kick!
Chili Powder: It’s a key ingredient for flavor. If you don’t have it, you can create your own blend from paprika and cayenne pepper. I enjoy using chipotle powder for a smoky taste!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Chili?
The secret to great chili lies in how well you develop the flavors. Start by ensuring the onions are well-cooked and fragrant before adding in your garlic. Slow this process a bit to deepen those flavors.
- Cook onions for 3-4 minutes until soft before adding garlic.
- Brown the meat thoroughly. This adds a rich base of flavor to your chili.
- Allow the chili to simmer uncovered. This helps thicken it while intensifying the flavors.
Finally, always taste and adjust seasoning. Sometimes, a dash more chili powder or salt can make all the difference! Enjoy crafting your chili masterpiece!
30-Minute Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 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)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Chopped green onions or cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chili takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of just 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil and Cook the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it out.
4. Combine with Other Ingredients:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, kidney beans, optional black beans, diced bell pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if desired), and salt and pepper. Mix it all up!
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the chili and adjust any seasonings if needed. A little extra salt or chili powder can enhance the flavor perfectly!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, ladle the chili into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro for some fresh flavor. Dive in and enjoy your hearty, flavorful chili ready in just 30 minutes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that it may not be as rich in flavor, so consider adding a bit more seasoning to compensate.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this chili vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using lentils or additional beans as the protein source. You might also want to enhance the flavor with some extra spices!
How Do I Store Leftover Chili?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 3 months.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like corn, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them small enough so they cook through in the time the chili simmers.