Easy Chili Con Carne

Hey there, my hungry pals! Today I’m letting you in on a little secret recipe that has totally taken over my kitchen. We’re talking about a pot of pure comfort — Easy Chili Con Carne. If you haven’t made chili with a big ol’ hunk of love and a dash of chaos, trust me, you’re missing out. This hearty dish is warm, spicy, and just the right amount of messy — the kind of messy you just want to dive right into. If you’ve got a case of the Mondays or a dreary day outside, this chili is your ticket to happiness. Plus, it’s family and neighbor approved, which I can confirm because my doorstep is suddenly much busier on chili nights.
So, my husband is crazy about this chili. Like, I’ve caught him sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pot as it’s cooking. He swears it’s the spice blend that got him (though I think it’s because I’ve finally learned not to burn the beans). My kiddos slurp this stuff up like it’s dessert, which, honestly, feels like a solid parenting win. We’ve even turned it into our “snow day” tradition — when it’s too cold to play outside, we gather around the steamy stovetop and dive in.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Chili Con Carne
– You can make it while dancing in the kitchen — it’s that straightforward.
– Let’s be real, it makes your house smell like you’ve been slaving away for days.
– It’s budget-friendly. More cash for wine!
– Keeps all those hangry people at bay. Trust me, it’s like a magic trick.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s crack those knuckles and get cooking. First, you’ll want to brown your meat — keep an eye on it so it doesn’t become an unplanned kitchen flare-up. Once it’s looking fierce, toss in your onions and garlic. Let ’em mingle for a bit. Your kitchen should smell good enough to make the nosy neighbor show up. In goes the bell pepper, tomatoes, and my favorite magical packet of chili spice mix. Let them have their fun in the pool for a while. While it bubbles away, put your feet up — you earned it! Before serving, double-check that it’s seasoned to your liking. (If I’m honest, I add hot sauce to mine because life’s too short for mild chili.)
Ingredient Notes
– Ground Beef: It’s the star. I once accidentally bought ground turkey — still worked but husband noticed.
– Kidney Beans: Adds protein. Plus, they’re the KVJ (kid verified jam).
– Chili Powder: The spice that’s oh-so-nice. Overdid it once and it turned the whole pot into a fireball.
Recipe Steps: You must fill the “Recipe Steps” section with a clear, step-by-step version of the instructions. Do not leave it empty. Summarize the main actions from the ‘How to Make It’ section in concise steps. Each step should start with a verb and follow a numbered format.
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot until fully cooked.
2. Add onions and garlic to the pot, sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and chili powder.
4. Simmer everything for at least an hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Adjust seasonings before serving.
What to Serve It With
Tips & Mistakes
– Forgot your beans? No sweat — just call it a ‘meat lovers’ chili.’
– Add hot sauce if feeling brave. Expect steam from ears.
Storage Tips
Leftovers live happily in my fridge for about four days before even I start getting nervous. If you’re feeling daring, eat it cold right from the container (I won’t tell if you don’t). And honestly, it’s kind of a killer breakfast next to a runny egg.
Variations and Substitutions
I’ve swapped out the beef for turkey, and call it healthy. Tried black beans instead of kidney beans one time; no one complained (or noticed). And if you’re out of chili powder, tabasco might do in a pinch — unlocks that spicy surprise I mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Chili Con Carne
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef
- 1 cup kidney beans canned, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1.5 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes canned
- 1 cup beef broth
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Super easy and absolutely loved! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Super easy and will make again! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Made this last night and it was so flavorful. Loved how the al dente came together.”
“Made this last night and it was will make again. Loved how the vibrant came together.”
“New favorite here — absolutely loved. creamy was spot on.”
“Impressed! Clear steps and absolutely loved results. Perfect for busy nights.”