Why You’ll Love Amazing 30 Minute Chili Recipe
This chili delivers all the rich, slow-cooked flavors of a classic chili recipe without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of seasoned beef, savory beans, and tomatoes creates a satisfying dish that is filling, flavorful, and easy to customize.
You’ll love how simple the ingredients are and how quickly everything comes together in one skillet. The chili can be served with your favorite toppings, making it easy for everyone to create their perfect bowl. It is also a great recipe for meal prep because the flavors become even better after resting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 whole large sweet onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 14.5 ounces chili beans, undrained
- 14.5 ounces stewed tomatoes, undrained
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 14 ounces fire roasted canned diced green chilies
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, then cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes tender.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return the beef mixture to the stove.
- Add the kosher salt and chili powder to the cooked beef. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until the spices become fragrant and evenly coat the meat.
- Add the chili beans, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and fire-roasted diced green chilies. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together and helps the chili thicken slightly.
- Serve warm with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crackers.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: About 5 minutes
Cooking time: About 25 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Variations
Make it spicier by adding extra chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or diced carrots for more texture and flavor.
For a smoky flavor, include additional smoked paprika or use extra fire-roasted tomatoes.
Make it a thicker chili by simmering it uncovered for a little longer, allowing more liquid to cook away.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat the chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot.
This chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors often become even richer after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.
What type of ground beef works best for chili?
Lean ground beef works well because it provides plenty of flavor while keeping the chili from becoming too greasy.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, but dried beans need to be cooked separately before adding them to the chili. Canned beans are used in this recipe for convenience and speed.
How can I make this chili less spicy?
Reduce or omit the fire-roasted green chilies and use less chili powder for a milder version.
What toppings go well with this chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, fresh cilantro, avocado, crackers, and sliced green onions.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef and onion first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low until the flavors combine.
How do I thicken chili if it is too thin?
Let the chili simmer uncovered for a longer time to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also add more beans or a small amount of tomato paste.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or additional onions can be added to increase the flavor and texture.
Is this chili freezer-friendly?
Yes, chili freezes very well. Store it in an airtight freezer-safe container and thaw it before reheating.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, crackers, rice, baked potatoes, or a simple side salad.
Conclusion
This Amazing 30 Minute Chili is the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and bold flavor. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, it is a reliable meal for busy days when you want something hearty and satisfying. Whether served fresh or saved for later, this chili is sure to become a favorite for family dinners and gatherings.
Amazing 30 Minute Chili
This hearty 30 minute chili combines seasoned lean ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and green chilies for a comforting meal packed with bold flavor. It is quick to prepare and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 whole large sweet onion (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 14.5 ounces chili beans (undrained)
- 14.5 ounces stewed tomatoes (undrained)
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 14 ounces fire roasted canned diced green chilies
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is cooked through. Drain off the fat and return the skillet to the stove.
- Season the meat with kosher salt and chili powder. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the chili beans, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies to the beef mixture.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the flavors blend and the chili thickens slightly. Serve with your favorite chili toppings.
Notes
- Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onion, or fresh herbs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
