Easy Homemade Beef Chili – Quick & Hearty Weeknight Favorite

Easy Homemade Beef Chili is the kind of cozy, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re dealing with chilly weather or just trying to feed a hungry crew without breaking a sweat, this recipe checks all the boxes.

It’s hearty, rich, and packed with bold flavors that simmer together in just 45 minutes—yes, really! From the smoky chili powder to the slightly sweet hit of maple syrup, it all comes together in one glorious pot. And don’t even get me started on the toppings. Fritos? Cheese? Green onions? This dish isn’t just dinner—it’s a small celebration in a bowl. So if you’re craving comfort food that’s equal parts easy and delicious, this Easy Homemade Beef Chili is your new best friend.

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What is Easy Homemade Beef Chili?

Easy Homemade Beef Chili is a simple yet satisfying one-pot meal that brings together browned ground beef, tender beans, and rich tomato goodness. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t try to be fancy—it’s just reliably tasty every single time. What sets this chili apart is its straightforward method: no weird ingredients or hours of prep—just pantry staples, ground beef, and your favorite toppings. It’s not Texas-style chili (which skips the beans), and it’s not vegetarian.

Nope, this version leans into the classic American chili vibe: beefy, tomato-y, a little spicy, and totally customizable. Serve it at game day gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when your fridge is mostly condiments and a single onion. It always delivers. And because it’s so quick, it’s perfect for those “uh-oh, it’s 5 p.m. and I forgot about dinner” moments.

Reasons to Try Easy Homemade Beef Chili

First off, Easy Homemade Beef Chili is exactly what it says: easy. Like, “you can have it on the table in under an hour without breaking a sweat” easy. This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights and even better for meal prepping. You can make a big batch, eat it for dinner, and freeze the rest for later (you’ll thank yourself next week). It’s also extremely forgiving.

Missing one type of bean? Use what you’ve got. Don’t eat beef? Ground turkey or a plant-based alternative works great, too. And then there’s the flavor: bold, smoky, and a little sweet thanks to a spoonful of maple syrup—don’t skip it. And let’s not forget the toppings. Throw on some shredded cheese, crunchy Fritos, or sliced green onions and you’ve got a dinner that feels way fancier than it actually is. Honestly, it’s a one-pot wonder for anyone who loves good food without the kitchen drama.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Homemade Beef Chili

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb. ground beef (85/15)
• ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Beans and Tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

Seasonings and Liquids

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth or water)

Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fritos
• Green onion, sliced

Instructions to Make Easy Homemade Beef Chili

Making Easy Homemade Beef Chili is a breeze when you follow this step-by-step guide. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth bowl of chili, these clear directions will walk you through the process with confidence and a little kitchen cheer. Let’s break it down, one flavorful step at a time.

Step 1: Warm Your Stockpot

Start by placing a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Let it heat up for a minute or two. You want it hot enough to sizzle when the beef hits the pan but not so hot that the aromatics burn. This step ensures you get that perfect sear on the meat, which builds the base flavor for your chili.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to prepping meals on the stovetop, check out our 30-Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata for another easy, stovetop-friendly recipe.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

Add 1 pound of ground beef, the diced yellow onion, and the minced garlic to the hot pot. Cook everything together for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beef should be fully browned, with no pink spots, and the onions should be soft and translucent—not crunchy. This is the flavor-building stage, so don’t rush it.

Step-by-step tip: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and absorb more seasoning later.

If you’re swapping in turkey or plant-based crumbles, you can still follow this same step. For more substitution advice, check out our guide on ingredient swaps that actually work (hello, meatless Mondays).

Step 3: Add the Beans and Tomato Base

Once the meat is browned and the onions are looking good, it’s time to add the heart of the chili:

• 1 can of pinto beans
• 1 can of kidney beans
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup

Stir everything together until it’s thoroughly combined. The beans bring texture and heartiness, while the tomatoes create that signature chili base. Maple syrup might sound unusual, but it helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes with a subtle hint of sweetness.

Need a substitute? Brown sugar or agave can be used if maple syrup isn’t your thing. Check out this Sweet vs. Savory Chili Flavor Guide for ideas on balancing flavor.

Step 4: Season and Add Broth

Time to dial up the flavor. Add the following spices directly to the pot:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Then pour in 1 cup of beef broth (or chicken broth or water if you’re working with what’s in the pantry).

Step by step, give the pot a good stir to evenly distribute all the spices and broth. You should see everything come together into a thick, rich, reddish-brown mixture that already smells like a hug in a bowl.

Step 5: Simmer and Let the Magic Happen

Bring your chili to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmering stage allows all the flavors to mingle and the chili to thicken just right.

Want to go hands-off? You can transfer everything to a slow cooker at this point and let it simmer on low for 6–8 hours. Check out our cozy Slow Cooker Soup Round-Up for more set-it-and-forget-it meals.

Step 6: Top and Serve

When your chili has reached your desired thickness and flavor (give it a taste to be sure), it’s time to serve.

Ladle the chili into bowls and finish it off with your favorite toppings. We recommend:

• Shredded cheddar cheese for melty goodness
• Fritos for crunch and fun
• Sliced green onions for freshness

Want to dress it up more? Add a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, or even a fried egg for a breakfast-for-dinner moment. For a twist, spoon the chili over baked potatoes or mashed cauliflower for a cozy comfort combo.

What to Serve with Easy Homemade Beef Chili

Easy Homemade Beef Chili is already a complete meal in a bowl, but it plays really well with others. Crusty cornbread? Yes, please. If you want a lighter side, a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Got kids? Buttered noodles or mac and cheese are fun pairings. You can even turn chili into a topping—pile it onto baked potatoes or hot dogs for a delicious twist. Hosting game day? Serve it buffet-style alongside Fried Deviled Eggs or Creamy Cauliflower Soup as a cozy starter. Basically, chili is that extroverted friend that gets along with everyone.

Key Tips for Making Easy Homemade Beef Chili

Keep it simple, but don’t be shy with the seasoning. Use 85/15 beef for that ideal mix of flavor and juiciness without too much grease. Drain the beans to avoid excess salt or weird textures. Letting the chili simmer—not boil—is what thickens it and builds flavor, so don’t rush that part. Want more kick? Toss in some jalapeños or a dash of cayenne. Maple syrup might sound odd, but trust me, it balances the acidity like a charm. And don’t forget to taste and tweak at the end—your taste buds will thank you. Lastly, let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Like a good gossip, chili gets better when it rests.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Homemade Beef Chili

Leftovers? Lucky you. This chili stores like a dream. Pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Want to save it for later? It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of broth or water. Microwave? Totally fine—just cover it loosely and stir halfway through. Pro tip: chili tastes even better the next day, so don’t sleep on those leftovers.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and aromatics first, then toss everything into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or even lentils, and use veggie broth.

Is it spicy?
Not overly, but you can easily adjust the heat with chili flakes, jalapeños, or cayenne.

Can I double the recipe?
You bet. Just make sure your pot can handle the volume—it’s a lot of goodness.

What’s the best topping combo?
Cheddar, green onions, and Fritos are a classic, but sour cream and avocado are also winners.

Final Thoughts

When life’s hectic and dinner feels like one more thing on a never-ending to-do list, Easy Homemade Beef Chili is here to make it all better. It’s fast, it’s comforting, and it’s loaded with flavor that makes you want to go back for seconds (or thirds). Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, prepping for the week, or just need something warm and reliable, this chili delivers. And if you’re looking for more quick, cozy recipes, check out our Cozy Chicken Rice Soup or Low-Calorie High-Protein Mac and Cheese to keep the comfort food vibes going strong.

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