Name: Simple Chili Con Carne Recipe Ready in No Time
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) ground beef (lean); 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup sweet corn kernels, frozen or canned, drained; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing); Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños

Nothing beats the hearty, soul-warming comfort of a Simple Chili Con Carne — especially when it’s ready in a flash. Bursting with tender ground beef, plump kidney beans, sweet corn, and vibrant peppers, all swimming in a rich, savory tomato sauce, this dish is the perfect marriage of bold flavors and homestyle goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or whipping up a quick meal for game night, this chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can create a robust, satisfying dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Topped with a handful of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, every bite offers a comforting balance of textures and tastes that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Chili Con Carne Recipe Ready in No Time

Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Budget-friendly: Uses simple, accessible ingredients.
Customizable: Spice it up, tone it down, or swap ingredients to fit your cravings.
Great for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day, making it a go-to for batch cooking.
Family favorite: Kid-approved and hearty enough for even the hungriest appetites.
One-pot wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Simple Chili Con Carne Recipe Ready in No Time

Before diving into cooking, getting your tools ready will make the entire process seamless and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for even heat distribution and preventing the chili from burning at the bottom while simmering. A Dutch oven works perfectly for retaining moisture and enhancing flavors.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring and breaking up the ground beef without damaging your pot’s surface.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Crucial for cleanly and quickly chopping your onions, peppers, and any other fresh ingredients.
Cutting Board: Provides a safe and stable surface for prepping veggies and herbs.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help you accurately portion spices and liquids, ensuring a balanced and flavorful chili.
Can Opener: Handy for opening canned beans, tomatoes, or corn with ease.

Having these tools prepped and ready ensures you can focus fully on the cooking magic without scrambling midway!

Preparation Tips for Simple Chili Con Carne Recipe Ready in No Time

Prep All Ingredients First: Chop all your vegetables, open cans, and measure spices before turning on the heat. It’ll make cooking smooth and stress-free.
Brown the Meat Well: Take your time browning the beef. A good sear locks in flavor and creates a rich, savory base for the chili.
Layer Your Spices: Add spices after browning the meat to “bloom” them, releasing deeper flavors into the dish.
Simmer Low and Slow (If Possible): Even though this is a quick chili, if you have extra time, let it simmer a little longer to deepen the taste.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chili near the end and adjust seasoning as needed — every batch can vary slightly!

Ingredients for This Simple Chili Con Carne Recipe Ready in No Time

Gather these hearty, flavorful ingredients to whip up your chili masterpiece:

1 pound (450g) ground beef — lean is best for a rich but not greasy chili
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup sweet corn kernels — frozen or canned, drained
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth — adds depth and richness
2 tablespoons chili powder — adjust to heat preference
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil — for sautéing
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños

These ingredients come together to form a robust, mouthwatering chili that’s both filling and full of comforting flavors.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing it to release its wonderful aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, cooking until it’s no longer pink and nicely browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the chili hearty but not greasy.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Stir in the diced green and red bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften, adding a beautiful pop of color and fresh flavor to the pot.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well, allowing the spices to coat the meat and vegetables. Let them cook for about 1-2 minutes to bloom, intensifying their flavors.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Corn

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, beef broth, kidney beans, and sweet corn. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Simmer the Chili

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to marry into a rich, comforting pot of chili.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serve

Give the chili a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot chili into bowls, topping each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or any of your favorite garnishes. Dig in and enjoy!

Notes for the Simple Chili Con Carne Recipe Ready in No Time

Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder to the pot.
Make It Meatier: For an even heartier version, you can add cooked ground sausage along with the ground beef.
Vegetarian Version: Simply skip the beef and add extra beans (like black beans or pinto beans) and some diced zucchini for a delicious vegetarian chili.
Slow Cooker Option: After browning the meat and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Double the Batch: Chili freezes beautifully! Make a double portion and freeze half for a ready-to-go meal later.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking Simple Chili Con Carne

Not Browning the Meat Properly: Skipping the browning step will rob the chili of rich, meaty flavor. Let the beef get a little caramelized!
Overcrowding the Pot: Use a large enough pot so the meat browns properly rather than steaming.
Adding All Spices at the End: Spices need to cook and bloom with the fat early on to release their full potential.
Skipping the Simmer: Even though this is a quick recipe, a brief simmer is crucial for melding the flavors.
Using Raw Onions: Failing to sauté the onions properly will leave them harsh and overpowering in the final dish.
Underseasoning: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving — chili needs that final seasoning boost to shine.

What to Serve With Simple Chili Con Carne Recipe Ready in No Time

Pair your delicious, hearty chili with sides that complement its bold flavors and add a little extra magic to your meal!

8 Tasty Recommendations:

Buttery Cornbread
Soft, slightly sweet cornbread is a classic match, perfect for soaking up every last bit of chili goodness.
Steamed Rice
Serve your chili over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to stretch it further and mellow out the spice.
Tortilla Chips
Crispy tortilla chips are great for scooping chili like a chunky dip, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the rich, savory chili sauce.
Coleslaw
A fresh, crisp slaw adds a cooling, tangy contrast that balances the hearty flavors beautifully.
Baked Potatoes
Spoon chili over a baked potato for a loaded, comforting meal that’s incredibly filling.
Simple Green Salad
A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette refreshes the palate and adds a burst of color to your table.
Pickled Jalapeños
For the spice lovers, a few pickled jalapeños on the side can add an extra fiery kick without overpowering the dish.

Storage Instructions for Simple Chili Con Carne Recipe Ready in No Time

Refrigerating: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This chili freezes exceptionally well. Spoon cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated chili, warm it over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Meal Prep Tip: Freeze in individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Estimated Nutrition for Simple Chili Con Carne Recipe Ready in No Time

Please note: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 24g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 5g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 780mg

This makes it a hearty, balanced meal that’s rich in protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied for hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! To make a vegetarian version of this chili, simply omit the ground beef and substitute with extra beans, like black beans or pinto beans. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

2. How can I make this chili spicier?

To add more heat, you can incorporate chopped fresh jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder. If you like it even hotter, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

3. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Absolutely! After browning the meat and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours for an even deeper, richer flavor.

4. How do I store leftover chili?

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat before serving.

5. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other ground meats such as turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but still work wonderfully in the chili.

6. What can I serve with chili besides cornbread?

Great side options include garlic bread, steamed rice, tortilla chips, a simple salad, or pickled jalapeños. These sides help balance the richness and spice of the chili.

7. How can I thicken my chili?

If your chili is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mash a portion of the beans with a fork or potato masher and stir them back in to help thicken the sauce.

8. Can I make chili in advance?

Yes! Chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2–3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Conclusion

The Simple Chili Con Carne Recipe Ready in No Time is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy nights, family meals, or even a cozy weekend get-together. With its rich flavors, customizable ingredients, and easy steps, you can have a bowl of chili that rivals the best slow-simmered recipes, but in a fraction of the time. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!