Easy Chili Recipe

Every game day in our house starts with a big pot of this chili on the stove! We also have a topping bar set out so everyone can build their own bowl exactly the way they like it. With 8 kids at the table that topping bar is the only way everyone leaves happy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Just $3.17 per serving — hearty enough to feed a hungry crowd without breaking the budget
• One pot, easy cleanup
• Ready in 30 minutes — faster than ordering pizza on game day
• Homemade seasoning blend — skip the packet and use pantry spices you can actually pronounce

Chili is the perfect Fall Recipe and a family favorite. You might also like Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe, Texas Chili Recipe, Chili Con Carne, White Chicken Chili or White Bean Turkey Chili for a delicious twist on classic chili recipe! It’s so good! Check out more Easy Chili Recipes.

Ingredients

• Ground beef — the base of the chili. Mix half ground beef and half ground turkey to save money without sacrificing flavor — nobody will taste the difference
• Kidney beans — adds heartiness and protein. Drain and rinse before adding. Pinto beans, black beans, or chili beans all work as substitutes
• Diced tomatoes — Use a can with green chiles for extra flavor without any extra work
• Onion — diced and cooked with the meat to build a flavorful base
• Chili seasoning — use our Chili Seasoning Recipe for the best flavor or a store-bought packet works in a pinch
• Garlic salt — adds savory depth throughout the whole pot

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

How to Make Easy Chili Recipe

The key to this chili is letting it simmer long enough for the flavors to come together — 30 minutes minimum, longer if you have the time.

Step 1 – In a large stock pot or Dutch Oven, brown your ground beef or ground turkey over medium high heat until no longer pink.

Step 2 – I love to use my Pampered chef mix n chop to break up the meat evenly. We normally do 1 pound of ground beef and one pound of ground turkey. I save money and no one can taste the difference.

Step 3 – Then add in the ½ onion and continue until they are soft. 

Step 4 – Next stir in the remaining ingredients. Then bring to a boil on medium high heat.

Step 5 – Next turn to low, add the lid and let simmer (stirring occasionally).

Tips for Success

• Use homemade chili seasoning. Skipping the packet and using your own spice blend takes about 2 minutes and the flavor is noticeably better. You control exactly what goes in it.
• Let it simmer. Thirty minutes is the minimum but an hour makes this chili significantly more flavorful as everything melds together
• Make it ahead. Chili tastes even better the next day. Make it the day before game day and reheat for even deeper flavor
• Set up a topping bar. Put out sour cream, shredded cheddar, Fritos, jalapeños, diced onion, and hot sauce and let everyone build their own bowl. It makes the whole experience more fun and means zero complaints at the table

Chili Topping Bar Ideas

This is how we serve chili every game day! Set everything out in small bowls and let everyone add their own topping.

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fritos or tortilla chips
• Diced onion
• Sliced jalapeño pepper
• Hot sauce
• Homemade cornbread — for dipping and scooping
• Saltine crackers
• Baked potatoes — serve chili over the top for a complete meal

Storage and Freezer Instructions

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The flavor gets even better overnight

Freezer

• Let the chili cool completely then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Reheating

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat stirring occasionally or microwave in 60-second intervals until warmed through