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Home » Recipes » Main Dish » Easy Beef Chili

Easy Beef Chili

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THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE OUR FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR DETAILS.

Recipe Cost $11.46
Recipe Serving Cost $1.91
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
This is a delicious and easy beef chili recipe. It freezes well so it’s a good freezer meal option. It costs $11.46 to make and $1.91 per serving.  via @easybudgetrecipes

This is a delicious and easy beef chili recipe. It freezes well so it’s a good freezer meal option. It costs $11.46 to make and $1.91 per serving. 

Beef Chili in a bowl with text overlay for Pinterest.

If you are looking for a one-stop meal everyone will enjoy you have come to the right place! This beef chili recipe is a crowd pleaser and we have the stats to prove it! Dare I brag for just a minute to let you know that this recipe won 1st place at an annual company Chili Cookoff!

If that isn’t knocking your socks off than this surely will. We tested this recipe on 3 husbands and 10 kids and guess what? 3 out 3 husbands AND 10 out of 10 kids LOVED it. They practically licked their bowls clean. Have we sold you yet? 

This ground beef chili recipe is no joke! It’s a hearty meal that can be served year-round. While we love it most during those colder months and rainy/snowy nights we do make it throughout the entire year. The BEST part of this beef chili recipe is that it is AMAZING as leftovers the next day. The flavors have time to really come together and you will find yourself licking the bowl too!

Some of our kids have even been known to hug us by their own choice when hearing that we were making chili with ground beef for dinner. That’s reason enough right there to make this. Unsolicited hugs from teenage boys?! We’ll make this any time for that response! 

A warm bowl of chili.

EASY BEEF CHILI RECIPE QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

What is the best beef for chili?

We recommend using ground beef when making chili. It is the most cost-effective cut of meat and that is one of our top priorities with our recipes. 

What can you add to chili?

Spices such as salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper are our favorites to add to chili. You’ll also want to add in beef, tomatoes, corn, beans, garlic, and onions. 

How long should you cook chili?

After combining all of your ingredients you should cover the beef chili and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to one hour. 

Do you drain meat for chili?

You do not need to drain the meat for your chili, especially if you’re using lean ground beef. It may seem weird to not drain it but the fat from the meat adds extra flavor to the chili. You can always skim it off the top at the end if you need to. 

Overhead picture of beef chili in a white bowl.

How to Make Easy Beef Chili:

First heat the oil and then add the beef, onions, garlic and saute the ingredients until browned. Then, stir in the rest of the ingredients minus the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Next, let the mixture come to a boil before letting it simmer for 45 minutes. Finally, season to taste with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. 

How to get the kids involved with this recipe:

  • Ages 2-3: Let them help you pour in the canned food items such as the tomatoes and beans. Have them help you drain and rinse the black beans. 
  • Ages 4-5: Let them help measure out the ingredients such as the corn and various spices and add them to the pot. Teach them how to open the canned tomatoes and black beans using a can opener. 
  • Ages 6-8: Teaching them proper knife safety, supervise them while the chop the veggies. 
  • Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe. 
  • Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!

Discover why we love getting the kids involved in the kitchen and more tips in our How to Get Kids Involved In Cooking article.

The flavor and Recipe Variations:

  • If you do not care for beans, you can easily take those out. If you want to take up the heat a notch just add in some more chili powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. 
  • You can also add a cup or two of leftover chili to our Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe for Chili Mac!

What to Serve with Beef Chili:

  • Our 1-hour French bread is so good served with this ground beef chili recipe. Top it with some sour cream and you have yourself a delicious meal that won’t break the budget! Or serve it over some hot dogs or baked potatoes. Yum-o!
  • Large Batch 1-hour Dinner Rolls

More $15 recipes:

  • 15-Minute Skillet Tilapia
  • American Goulash
  • Cheesy Baked Spaghetti
  • Cindy’s Easy Sausage Gumbo
  • Healthy Greek Mason Jar Salads
  • Easy Baked Pork Chops with Apples
  • Green Chile Enchilada Casserole
  • Mexican Chicken Rice Bowls
  • One Pan Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice
  • Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
  • Skillet Lasagna

How long is this good for:

  • Serve: The chili can be kept at room temperature for up to 90 minutes. After that it will need to be put into the fridge. 
  • Store: Leftover will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 
  • Freeze: Cooled chili can be transferred to freezer Ziploc bags and frozen for up to 4 months. Thaw the chili in the fridge overnight and reheat over medium heat in a large saucepan until heated through. 

How much will this Easy Beef Chili cost:

RECIPE COST: $11.46

PER SERVING COST: $1.91

To find out more on how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.

  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil – $0.06
  • 2 pounds ground beef – $3.60
  • 2 medium onions – $1.24
  • 2 large garlic cloves – $0.10
  • 28 oz can whole tomatoes – $1.64
  • 14.5 oz can beef broth – $0.74
  • 5 Tablespoons chili powder – $0.40
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cumin – $0.10
  • 2 teaspoon paprika – $0.06
  • 1 cup frozen corn – $0.75
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar – $0.01
  • 1 red bell pepper – $1.28
  • 1 green bell pepper – $0.62
  • 15.5 oz can black beans – $0.86

Picture collage of easy beef chili for Pinterest.

AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE

Easy Budget Recipes is a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing, but it helps keep us on budget!

Cook’s Tools: 

  • cutting board
  • chef’s knife
  • heavy-bottomed pot
  • wooden spoon
Ground beef chili garnished with shredded cheese and sour cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
5 from 7 votes

Easy Beef Chili

Recipe Cost $11.46
Recipe Serving Cost $1.91
This is a delicious and easy beef chili recipe. It freezes well so it’s a good freezer meal option. It costs $11.46 to make and $1.91 per serving. 
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hr
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili, ground beef
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 602kcal
Author: Easy Budget Recipes Original!

Equipment

  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients

FOR THE CHILI:

  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 medium onions chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced
  • 28 oz can whole tomatoes
  • 14.5 oz can beef broth
  • 5 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 large red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper chopped
  • 15.5 oz can black beans rinsed and drained

GARNISHES (optional):

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a heavy-bottomed pot add oil and meat and heat over medium heat. Use the back of a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small chunks. Continue to cook until the meat is browned.
  • Add onions and cook, stirring often, until they turn opaque and turn light brown on the edges, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the remaining chili ingredients to the pot and increase the heat to medium-high. Once the mixture comes to a low boil, reduce the heat to simmer and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve, passing garnishes separately (optional).

Nutrition

Calories: 602kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 943mg | Potassium: 1322mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3429IU | Vitamin C: 76mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 8mg
Did you love this recipe?We'd love to hear from you follow us on Instagram @EasyBudgetRecipes and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
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Filed Under: $15 RECIPES, Main Dish Tagged With: beef, beef broth, black beans, brown sugar, chili, chili powder, corn, cumin, garlic cloves, ground beef, onion, paprika, red bell pepper, vegetable oil, whole tomatoes

Previous Post: « Easy French Toast with Blueberry Sauce
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gina

    October 21, 2019 at 7:14 pm

    5 stars
    This chili was delicious and your cost was right on!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      October 22, 2019 at 4:45 am

      So glad you liked it! Thanks!

  2. Jenn

    October 21, 2019 at 7:37 pm

    5 stars
    I love how simple and comforting this easy peasy chili is! A go-to for sure!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      October 22, 2019 at 4:47 am

      It is a definite family favorite around here! Thanks for stopping by!

  3. Denay DeGuzman

    October 21, 2019 at 7:44 pm

    5 stars
    This delicious chili recipe is perfect for these cooler-weather months! Your recipe is tasty, beautiful and super festive. It’s like warm comforting hug!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      October 22, 2019 at 4:48 am

      Love that description! It’s definitely a warm comforting hug!

  4. Courtney | Love & Good Stuff

    October 21, 2019 at 7:46 pm

    Chili is my favourite meal this time of year – yours look delicious! I love your suggestions on how to get the kids to help out with dinner – It’s great to get kids helping in the kitchen from an early age!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      October 22, 2019 at 4:48 am

      It’s my favorite meal this time of year too!!! Get those kids in the kitchen for sure!

  5. Jessica Formicola

    October 21, 2019 at 7:50 pm

    5 stars
    This is the best chili recipe I’ve ever tried! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      October 22, 2019 at 4:49 am

      Oh thank you so much for your review! We love it!

  6. Toni

    October 21, 2019 at 8:10 pm

    5 stars
    It was a huge hit at my house! Such a great meal for fall!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      October 22, 2019 at 4:50 am

      Awesome! Thank you!

  7. Sara Welch

    October 21, 2019 at 8:16 pm

    5 stars
    This is everything a gourmet soup should be, and then some! Looking forward to warming up with this tonight!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      October 22, 2019 at 4:50 am

      Let us know how you like it!

  8. Wendy Collins

    November 21, 2019 at 2:33 pm

    5 stars
    Needed something quick to make and it was cold and rainy so this chili was perfect! It was so simple to throw together and was a big hit!! I’m looking forward to leftovers today!!!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      November 25, 2019 at 5:50 am

      LOVE chili on those kinds of days. Thanks so much for your review…it helps a lot! And we’re thrilled the recipe was a hit!

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Beth, Jill, and Jess of Easy Budget Recipes

We’re Beth, Jill, and Jess, and we’re the team of sisters-in-law behind Easy Budget Recipes!

Combined, we have over 50 years of cooking, meal planning, and budgeting experience. Each of our recipes serves at least six people, and we have broken down the cost of every recipe for you so that it’s easier to budget your shopping list every week!

We’re so glad that you’re here. Find out more ABOUT US!

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