This 30-Minute Chili is a warm and filling dish that’s ready in no time! Packed with beans, ground meat, and spices, it’s perfect for a cozy night in.
I love how quick it is to make—sometimes I even add extra toppings like cheese and sour cream for a little fun. Who doesn’t love a good chili party? 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing the onions and garlic. If you don’t have it, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil as alternatives.
Ground Beef: I suggest using 80/20 for balanced flavor and moisture. Turkey is a great lean option, but if you’d like vegetarian chili, swap in mushrooms or lentils.
Diced Tomatoes: These add great flavor. You can use fresh tomatoes if you have them—just dice and add about 2 cups. Alternatively, crushed tomatoes work well too.
Kidney Beans: If you’re not a fan of kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas are tasty substitutes. Just make sure to drain and rinse them!
Chili Powder: This is the heart of your chili’s flavor. For a bit of heat, use cayenne or chipotle powder instead, or create your own mix with cumin and paprika.
How Do I Ensure My Chili Has the Perfect Consistency?
Consistency can make or break chili! Here’s how to hit that sweet spot:
- Start with the right amount of broth; you can always add more if it’s too thick.
- Let it simmer for a while; this helps flavors blend and thickens the chili as water evaporates.
- If it gets too thick, just stir in a bit more broth or water until you reach your desired texture.
- To thicken it up, let it simmer longer, or mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water, and stir it in.
How to Make 30-Minute Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sliced green onions or jalapeños for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and just 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This adds a great base flavor!
2. Add Garlic and Ground Meat:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add your ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it away.
3. Mix in the Tomatoes and Beans:
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), drained kidney beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. This is where the magic happens—a hearty mixture that’s full of flavor!
4. Season Your Chili:
Now it’s time to add the spices! Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine.
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring your chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps all the flavors blend together beautifully!
6. Taste and Serve:
After simmering, taste the chili and adjust any seasonings as needed. When it’s just right, serve it hot, garnished with sliced green onions or jalapeños if you like a little extra heat. Enjoy your delicious chili with cornbread or your favorite sides!
Can I Use Different Beans in This Chili?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas as substitutions. Just make sure they are drained and rinsed before adding them to the pot.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Yes! Just replace the ground beef or turkey with chopped mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute like veggie crumbles. You can also add more beans and vegetables for extra heartiness.
How Should I Store Leftover Chili?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer milder chili, reduce the chili powder and skip the smoked paprika. For more heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. Always taste as you go to find the perfect balance!
