Quick Chili with Beans

Featured in: Comfort Food Favorites

This chili combines ground meat or plant-based crumbles with diced tomatoes, beans, and aromatic spices to create a savory and filling dish. Quick to prepare and simmered for rich flavors, it includes vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and garlic for depth. Optional toppings such as cilantro, cheese, and jalapeños add freshness and heat. Ideal for busy nights and adaptable for vegetarian options, this warm bowl offers comforting, nutritious satisfaction.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 15:15:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of quick chili with canned beans, garnished with fresh cilantro and cheese. Save It
A steaming bowl of quick chili with canned beans, garnished with fresh cilantro and cheese. | zetluna.com

A hearty, flavorful chili packed with protein and fiber, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe uses pantry staples for a fast, satisfying meal.

This chili quickly became a household favorite because it is so quick and easy to prepare yet tastes like a slow-cooked classic.

Ingredients

  • 500 g (1 lb) ground beef: or ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian
  • 1 medium onion: diced
  • 1 green bell pepper: diced
  • 2 cloves garlic: minced
  • 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes: undrained
  • 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans beans: kidney black or pinto drained and rinsed
  • 250 ml (1 cup) low-sodium beef or vegetable broth:
  • 2 tbsp chili powder:
  • 1 tsp ground cumin:
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika:
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano:
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: optional for heat
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro: optional topping
  • Sour cream or plain yogurt: optional topping
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: optional topping
  • Sliced jalapeños: optional topping

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat add the ground beef. Cook breaking up with a spoon until browned (about 5 minutes). If using vegetarian crumbles sauté according to package instructions.
Step 2:
Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 45 minutes until softened.
Step 3:
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4:
Add the chili powder cumin smoked paprika oregano cayenne if using salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables and meat.
Step 5:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices beans and broth. Mix to combine.
Step 6:
Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low cover and cook for 15 20 minutes stirring occasionally.
Step 7:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 8:
Serve hot garnished with desired toppings.
This easy quick chili with canned beans shows a hearty, flavorful stew, ready for a cozy dinner. Save It
This easy quick chili with canned beans shows a hearty, flavorful stew, ready for a cozy dinner. | zetluna.com

My family gathers eagerly around the table whenever I make this chili especially during cool evenings.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven Wooden spoon Chefs knife Cutting board Can opener

Allergen Information

Contains Dairy if using cheese or sour cream as toppings Double-check processed ingredients broth canned beans for hidden allergens eg gluten soy For a dairy-free version omit cheese and sour cream

Nutritional Information

Calories 400 Total Fat 12 g Carbohydrates 40 g Protein 30 g per serving

Get a close-up of this delicious, quick chili with canned beans; a perfect weeknight meal photo. Save It
Get a close-up of this delicious, quick chili with canned beans; a perfect weeknight meal photo. | zetluna.com

This quick chili recipe can easily be customized to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

Common Questions About Recipes

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles or increase the bean quantity for a satisfying vegetarian version.

What beans work best in the chili?

Kidney, black, or pinto beans all work well and add great texture and flavor to the dish.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it for mild heat. Adding jalapeño slices also increases spiciness.

What are good side dishes to serve with this chili?

Serve with crusty bread, rice, or cornbread to complement the hearty flavors and soak up the sauce.

Can I prepare this chili ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and flavors deepen after resting, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Quick Chili with Beans

A hearty, protein-packed chili using pantry staples for fast, flavorful weeknight dinners.

Prep Time
10 mins
Time to Cook
25 mins
Overall Time
35 mins
Authored by Clara


Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Output 4 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Free of Gluten

The Ingredients You'll Need

Proteins

01 1 lb ground beef (substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian)

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, diced
02 1 green bell pepper, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Goods

01 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
02 2 cans (14 oz each) beans (kidney, black, or pinto), drained and rinsed

Liquids

01 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth

Spices

01 2 tbsp chili powder
02 1 tsp ground cumin
03 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 ½ tsp dried oregano
05 ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
06 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

01 Chopped fresh cilantro
02 Sour cream or plain yogurt
03 Shredded cheddar cheese
04 Sliced jalapeños

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Brown the ground beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned, approximately 5 minutes. For vegetarian option, cook plant-based crumbles according to package directions.

Step 02

Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Incorporate spices: Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the ingredients evenly.

Step 05

Combine liquids and canned goods: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, drained beans, and broth. Stir to combine all components.

Step 06

Simmer chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 07

Adjust seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with desired toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, and jalapeños.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Can opener

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • May contain dairy if cheese or sour cream toppings are used.
  • Check processed ingredients such as broth and canned beans for hidden allergens including gluten and soy.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 400
  • Fats: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 40 grams
  • Proteins: 30 grams