Quick and Easy Chili Recipe
Quick and Easy Chili Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Kimmy’s Kreations on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 1 hr 20 min | Total: 1 hr 47 min
Cost: $13.37 total, $2.23 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 large Bell Pepper (red or green, diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 2 tablespoons Chili Seasoning Mix (store‑bought or homemade blend)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (concentrated)
- 2 cups Beef Broth (low sodium)
- 1 can (15 oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (15 oz) Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 0.5 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, for topping)
- 0.25 cup Sour Cream (for garnish)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Vegetables
Dice the bell pepper, mince the garlic, and dice the onion into uniform pieces.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Peppers, Garlic, and Onion
Heat the large pot over medium heat, add butter and let melt. Add the diced pepper, minced garlic, and diced onion, sprinkle with salt, and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes until softened.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Brown Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot, break it up with the wooden spoon, and cook until no pink remains, about 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Drain Grease
Place paper towels on a plate and use a ladle to scoop out excess fat from the pot, discarding it.
Time: PT2M
Season and Add Tomato Base
Sprinkle 2 Tbsp chili seasoning into the pot and stir. Add tomato paste, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
Time: PT5M
Add Beans
Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans.
Time: PT2M
Simmer Chili
Reduce heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT1H0M
Temperature: Low
Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust salt or seasoning if needed. Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions. Serve with cornbread or rice if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free (if broth is gluten‑free), High-Protein, Can be made vegetarian by omitting beef and adding extra beans
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil (use less)
- Instead of Bell Pepper: Poblano pepper, No pepper
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Chili Seasoning Mix: Cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder mix
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato puree (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Beef Broth: Vegetable broth, Water with bouillon
- Instead of Canned Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes (2 cups, crushed)
- Instead of Kidney Beans: Black beans, Pinto beans
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mexican blend
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Green Onions: Chives
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Paper Towels
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté aromatics
- Brown ground beef
- Drain grease
- Season and add tomato base
- Simmer chili for at least 1 hour
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh garlic for a brighter flavor
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle smokiness
- If you like heat, stir in a diced jalapeño with the peppers
Troubleshooting
Chili is too thick
Add additional beef broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached
Chili is watery
Uncover the pot and simmer uncovered for 15‑20 minutes to reduce the liquid
Flavor is bland
Add extra chili seasoning, a dash of smoked paprika, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 3 months
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate within 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chili tastes better the next day as flavors develop
- Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of beef chili in American cuisine?
Beef chili, often called “chili con carne,” originated in the American Southwest and has become a staple comfort food across the United States, especially in Texas and the Midwest. It reflects the blending of Mexican spices with American beef traditions and is commonly served at gatherings, sporting events, and cold‑weather meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of beef chili in the United States?
In Texas, chili is typically made without beans and focuses on meat and chilies. In the Midwest, beans are a common addition, creating a heartier stew. Some Southern versions add coffee or chocolate for depth, while New Mexico versions emphasize red or green chile peppers.
How is authentic beef chili traditionally served in Texas cuisine?
Authentic Texas‑style beef chili is served hot in a bowl, often topped simply with chopped onions and a side of cornbread or crackers. It is usually eaten without cheese or sour cream, which are considered optional garnishes in other regions.
What occasions or celebrations is beef chili traditionally associated with in American culture?
Beef chili is popular at tailgate parties, Super Bowl gatherings, backyard barbecues, and winter potlucks. Its easy one‑pot nature makes it ideal for feeding crowds during holidays like Thanksgiving leftovers or New Year’s Eve celebrations.
How does beef chili fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?
Beef chili embodies the American comfort‑food ethos: hearty, flavorful, and easy to make in large batches. It combines protein, beans, and spices into a warming dish that satisfies both hunger and the desire for familiar, nostalgic flavors.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for beef chili versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, dried chilies or chili powder, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and sometimes beans. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and canned beans of various types if kidney beans are unavailable.
What other American dishes pair well with beef chili?
Beef chili pairs nicely with cornbread, buttery biscuits, rice, or a simple side salad. It also works well alongside grilled corn, baked potatoes, or as a topping for nachos and hot dogs.
What makes this beef chili recipe from Kimmy’s Kreations special in American cuisine?
Kimmy’s Kreations emphasizes a balanced spice blend, the removal of excess grease for a cleaner mouthfeel, and a long low simmer that deepens flavor. The optional toppings of cheddar, sour cream, and green onions add texture and freshness, making it both classic and adaptable.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making beef chili?
Common mistakes include over‑cooking the garlic so it burns, not draining excess beef fat which leads to a greasy stew, skipping the long simmer which prevents flavors from melding, and under‑seasoning the chili before serving.
Why does this beef chili recipe use a low simmer for at least one hour instead of a quick boil?
A low simmer gently extracts flavors from the meat, beans, and spices without breaking down the beans too much. It also prevents the sauce from reducing too quickly, ensuring a thick yet velvety texture.
What does the YouTube channel Kimmy’s Kreations specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kimmy’s Kreations specializes in approachable, family‑friendly comfort‑food recipes with clear step‑by‑step instructions, focusing on classic American dishes and practical cooking tips for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Kimmy’s Kreations' approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Kimmy’s Kreations emphasizes minimal equipment, budget‑friendly ingredient choices, and thorough explanations of each technique, whereas many other channels may rely on specialty gadgets or more elaborate presentations. Kimmy’s style is straightforward and geared toward everyday home kitchens.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
