Basic Chili Recipe

Here’s my Basic Chili recipe that can be adapted to make it your own. This easy chili recipe is quick enough to make for a weeknight dinner!

Warm up with a bowl of chili and a slice of skillet cornbread on the side! There are a million different ways to make an easy chili recipe and everyone has their preferences as to what they want in their chili. Some want just the meat and beans while others want all of the things! This basic chili recipe from my mom is perfect for those who the simple, easy chili. For those who want more, I’ve included lots of suggestions and ideas to make this chili in various ways.

Put the ground beef, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a skillet.

Would other meats work in this easy chili recipe?

Yes, you can swap out some or all of the ground beef in this easy chili recipe for another meat. A different meat choice can not only switch up the flavor of the chili but also make it healthier in some cases. Here are a few suggestions:

• add some ground pork sausage
• use ground chicken
• try ground turkey
• skip the meat and add more beans instead

Brown the ground beef and drain the grease. Set aside.

Put the chili beans, tomato soup, and water in a large pot.

What can I add to this basic chili recipe?

I started off with this basic chili recipe that can be enjoyed as is or it can be easily adapted to what your family likes. Here are some ideas for additional ingredients:

• Beans: pinto beans, chili beans, kidney beans, black beans
• Vegetables: tomatoes, corn, carrots, onions, celery
• Peppers: bell peppers, jalapenos, chile peppers
• Spices: cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika

Add the browned beef and stir to combine.

Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Would this basic chili recipe work in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this basic chili recipe in a slow cooker instead of on the stovetop. Brown the ground beef as directed in the instructions. Then, put everything into a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 3 – 3 1/2 hours or low for 6 hours, until heated through.

Then, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve.

Can you freeze chili?

Yes, chili is one of those things that freezes well! Store any leftover chili in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Or you can make this easy chili recipe ahead of time and freeze it in individual portions for a quick lunch or dinner.

What toppings go on chili?

Basic chili is good, of course, but adding some toppings takes it to the next level! Here are some popular toppings for chili:

• chopped cilantro
• sliced green onions
• shredded cheese
• sour cream
• lime wedges
• corn chips
• sliced jalapenos
• diced avocado

Want more soup recipes? Try these next:

This spicy Corn and Sausage Chowder recipe with potatoes, cheese, and tomatoes is a hearty soup that is perfect for chilly evenings.

Warm up with a bowl of hearty White Chicken Chili topped with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro and served with cornbread.

This Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe with Potatoes and Ham is the perfect comfort food for dinner! It will quickly become a family favorite!

This Slow Cooker Taco Soup recipe is so easy to make and so flavorful. Just brown the meat, put everything in the crockpot to cook, and then just stir!

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Basic Chili Recipe

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Here's my Basic Chili recipe that can be adapted to make it your own. This easy chili recipe is quick enough to make for a weeknight dinner!

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp minced onion
• 1 tsp worchester sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp coarse ground black pepper
• 2 cans chili beans in mild sauce
• 10.75 oz can condensed tomato soup
• 1 1/4 cups water

Instructions

1. Brown ground beef with the minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Drain and set aside.
2. Put the chili beans, condensed tomato soup, and water into a large pot. Stir to combine.
3. Stir in the beef mixture. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 297Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 668mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 3gSugar: 8gProtein: 24g

Nutrition data is calculated automatically by Nutritionix and isn't always accurate. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual’s dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual. You are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to your health.