Weeknight Beef Chili (Easy and Delicious)

This Weeknight Beef Chili is hearty, full of bold flavor, and easy to make with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a little jalapeño heat. Serve it with your favorite toppings and a slice of easy homemade cornbread for a cozy, satisfying meal.

🥫 The Ingredients

These simple, easy-to-find ingredients come together to make a hearty chili with rich tomato flavor, savory warmth, and just the right amount of heat. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.

📝 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Ground beef: Use your preferred ground beef. A leaner blend works well; if you use a fattier blend, drain off most of the excess grease after browning.
• Onion: Yellow or white onion both work well and add a savory base to the chili.
• Bell peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and sweetness, but they’re optional. Leave them out if you prefer a more classic, meat-forward chili.
• Jalapeño: Optional, and easy to adjust to taste. Remove the seeds and ribs for milder heat, or leave them in for a spicier chili.
• Crushed tomatoes: These give the chili its rich tomato base. If needed, substitute diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
• Beef stock: Beef stock adds savory depth. Beef broth can be used instead; adjust the salt to taste.
• Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and body.
• Red wine vinegar: A small amount brightens the chili. Apple cider vinegar can be used instead.
• Hot sauce: Optional—add a few dashes for extra heat and tang, or leave it out.
• Chili powder and cumin: These provide the chili’s familiar warm, earthy flavor. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note; regular paprika can be substituted for a milder flavor.

🔥 Tips and Tricks for Perfect Beef Chili

• Soften the vegetables first: Sauté the onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño until tender before adding the beef for a flavorful base.
• Brown the beef well: Break it into small pieces and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain off most of the excess grease before adding the remaining ingredients.
• Adjust the heat: For milder chili, remove the jalapeño seeds and ribs or omit the pepper. Add hot sauce gradually so you can control the spice.
• Let it simmer: Thirty minutes is enough for a quick weeknight meal, but a longer, gentle simmer helps the flavors meld. Stir occasionally and add a splash of stock if it gets thicker than you like.
• Taste before serving: Check the seasoning at the end and add salt, pepper, or a dash of vinegar or hot sauce as needed.
• Make it ahead: The flavors deepen as the chili rests, making it a great meal to prepare in advance.

👩🏼‍🍳 How to Make Weeknight Chili

1. Step 1: Heat the oil over medium heat in a large pan and add the onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño. Sauté, stirring often, until softened, about 4 – 5 minutes.

2. Step 2: Add the beef and cook, stirring often, until no longer pink. Safely discard all but about 1 tablespoon of the grease.

3. Step 3: Stir in a pinch of salt, pepper, and the paprika. Cook for another minute.

4. Step 4: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, hot sauce (if using), chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Step 5: Allow to simmer for 30 minutes, or longer (up to 2 hours).

6. Step 6: Garnish with shredded cheddar, chopped onion, sour cream, and/or sliced pickled jalapeños.

🙋🏽‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions

😋 More Delicious and Easy Weeknight Recipes

Ready to make a pot of chili that tastes as if you simmered it all day? Go for it!

And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!