Quick And Easy Ground Beef Chili

Ground Beef Chili has all the flavors of your favorite classic chili recipe but made in half the time for comfort food at its best.
5 from 4 reviews

Ground Beef Chili has all the flavors of your favorite classic chili recipe but is made in half the time! It’s comfort food that warms the soul with each hearty bite.

This recipe makes the perfect weeknight meal served with Corn Bread Muffins, and a Chopped Salad. Add in Cinnamon Sugar Pizza for dessert, and you’ll hit a home run with your family.

Bowl of ground beef chili in a white bowl served with sour cream, sliced jalapenos and chives served with a spoon.
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It’s well-known that each person with a chili recipe thinks theirs is the best. And that’s OK! I feel the same way about my Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili. While calling something the best is fine by me, sometimes, you need a delicious recipe that’s easy to make, delicious, and downright good.

Enter my recipe for Ground Beef Chili. It’s simple, with just a bit of prep time, and loaded with rich flavor.

What Is The Secret To This Homemade Chili Recipe?

The secret ingredient in my recipe is bacon. Yep, BACON! Its savory and slightly salty profile adds an extra layer of umami goodness to my quick chili recipe. Plus, bacon gives a depth of flavor that compliments the ground beef, beans and spices beautifully.

Ground Beef Chili Ingredients And Substitutions

Ground beef, red beans, stock, green peppers, onion, crushed tomatoes, bacon and seasoning on a white counter for chili.
  • Ground Beef – you can swap out ground turkey or chicken if you like.
  • Beef Stock – beef broth or vegetable stock can also be used.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Onion
  • Green Pepper – red or yellow bell peppers can also be used.
  • Garlic – like Easy Chili Mac, every good chili recipe must have freshly minced garlic.
  • Bacon and Brown Sugar
  • Chili Powder and Cumin – dried oregano is an excellent substitution.
  • Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes – canned tomato sauce is also a good substitution.
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Red Pepper Flakes – you can also use cayenne pepper.
  • Red Kidney Beans – black beans or pinto beans are great substitutes.

Scroll Down For Measurements

Black ladle with ground beef and bean chili.

Frequently Asked Questions With Answers

Do I need to drain the beans?

Yes. Drain and rinse the beans before adding to the chili.

Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

Yep, you sure can! Cook the ground beef, onions, garlic and green peppers in a skillet until the beef is no longer pink. Add to a crock pot along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I freeze beef chili?

Yes. This recipe is great to make ahead and freeze. Make the chili according to the instructions, then let it cool. Place the chili in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

What To Serve With Easy To Make Beef Chili

Bowl of ground beef chili in a white bowl served with sour cream, sliced jalapenos and chives served with a spoon.

Craving More? Try These Chili Recipes

If you tried this Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!

Bowl of ground beef chili in a white bowl served with sour cream, sliced jalapenos and chives served with a spoon.

Quick And Easy Ground Beef Chili

5 from 4 reviews
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 146kcal
Print Pin Rate
Ground Beef Chili has all the flavors of your favorite classic chili recipe but made in half the time! It's comfort food that warms the soul with each hearty bite.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium chopped onion
  • 1 medium chopped green pepper
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 4 slices chopped bacon
  • 1 pouns ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups beef stock
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 15-ounce cans red kidney beans – drained and rinsed

Instructions

  • Place a large Dutch Oven over a medium low heat and add olive oil. Add chopped onions, diced peppers and cubed uncooked bacon into Dutch oven and cook until onions are soft and translucent. Then, add minced garlic and sauté, being careful not to burn.
  • Once sautéed garlic becomes more fragrant, add ground beef and cook until it's no longer pink. Carefully drain off any excess oil.
  • Add the remaining ingredients to the Dutch Oven, stirring the chili after adding each ingredient. Bring Chili up to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes with the lid on the pot.
  • Remove the lid from the Dutch Oven, stir the chili, and then cook for an additional 30 minutes without a lid until Chili is slightly reduced and thickened. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal · Carbohydrates: 12g · Protein: 6g · Fat: 9g · Saturated Fat: 2g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g · Monounsaturated Fat: 5g · Trans Fat: 0.02g · Cholesterol: 10mg · Sodium: 835mg · Potassium: 481mg · Fiber: 2g · Sugar: 7g · Vitamin A: 1031IU · Vitamin C: 20mg · Calcium: 45mg · Iron: 2mg
Bowl of ground beef chili in a white bowl served with sour cream, sliced jalapenos and chives served with a spoon.

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