How to Make Easy Weeknight Chili with Ground Beef or Turkey: Your Quick & Cozy Bowl

Looking for a satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal for a busy weeknight? Look no further than this fantastic chili recipe! Whether you prefer the classic richness of ground beef or a leaner option with ground turkey, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers a warm, comforting bowl of chili that the whole family will love. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to simple, delicious chili!

Why This Easy Weeknight Chili is a Winner

Weeknights demand simplicity without sacrificing flavor. This chili recipe delivers on both fronts. It utilizes pantry staples, comes together in under an hour, and is endlessly customizable to your taste preferences. Plus, chili is a fantastic make-ahead meal and tastes even better the next day!

Our Easy Weeknight Chili Recipe (Ground Beef or Turkey):

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef OR 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained¹
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (if using ground beef) OR chicken broth (if using ground turkey)
• 2-3 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, tortilla chips, avocado

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened² and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and³ cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

2. Brown the Meat:

• Add the ground beef OR ground turkey to the pot.
• Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink.
• Drain off any excess grease from the pot.

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients:

• Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed and drained kidney beans, rinsed and drained black beans, and tomato sauce.
• Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth, if using turkey).
• Add the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer the Chili:

• Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. For a richer flavor, you can simmer it for up to an hour.

5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

• Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to your preference.
• Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, tortilla chips, or diced avocado.

Tips for Delicious Weeknight Chili:

• Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat level. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other chopped vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the chili during the simmering stage.
• Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add another can of beans or some crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground.
• Make it Ahead: Chili is a fantastic make-ahead meal. The flavors deepen overnight in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop.
• Freeze for Later: Leftover chili freezes beautifully. Store it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.

This easy weeknight chili recipe with ground beef or turkey is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor. It’s the perfect cozy meal for a chilly evening or a simple and satisfying dinner any night of the week. Enjoy!

FAQ: