Chili is one of those comforting meals I love to make. When the weather turns cool or you just need something warm and hearty, a good bowl of chili is always the answer. I have two fantastic chili recipes for you today.
Whether you are looking for a satisfying vegetarian chili option or a quick beef chili that’s ready in a flash, I’ve got you covered. Get ready to cook up some delicious chili!
Jump to Recipe:
Hearty Black Bean Chili Recipe
A warm, plant-based chili perfect for any night. This recipe is packed with flavor and satisfying ingredients.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Black Bean Chili
- Black Beans: Make sure to rinse your canned black beans very well. This helps remove extra sodium and improves taste.
- Chili Powder: Use a good quality chili powder for the best depth of flavor. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
What You Need for Black Bean Chili
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Black Bean Chili
Step 1: Cook Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Chili
Add the rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 25-30 minutes, stirring sometimes.
Step 3: Serve Warm
Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
📝 Final Note
This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have a chance to blend and settle.
Quick 30-Minute Chili for Busy Weeknights
Need chili fast? This quick recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and filling.
Key Ingredients & Tips for 30-Minute Chili
- Ground Beef: Browning your ground beef well before adding other ingredients builds a strong flavor base quickly. Drain off any extra fat.
- Canned Beans: Don’t forget to rinse your canned kidney or pinto beans before adding them. This improves the texture and reduces sodium.
What You Need for Quick Chili
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make 30-Minute Chili
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Remove beef and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Vegetables
Add a little olive oil to the pot if needed, then add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in chili powder and cumin, cooking for 1 minute more.
Step 3: Simmer Quickly
Return the cooked beef to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, giving the flavors time to come together.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste the chili and add salt and pepper as you like. Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, green onions, or corn chips.
📝 Final Note
For an even faster clean-up, you can often make this entire chili in one pot from start to finish.
