Are you craving a hearty, delicious meal that comes together faster than you can say "dinner's ready"? Look no further than this mouthwatering Mom's Easy Weeknight Chili! In just 40 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a soul-warming dish that'll have your family racing to the dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this chili is not just a meal—it's a warm hug in a bowl that combines classic American comfort food with incredible flavor and simplicity.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients: dice the onion, mince the garlic, drain the kidney beans, and measure out the chili powder.
- Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté together for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Drain any excess fat from the meat and onion mixture to reduce greasiness.
- Add the drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to further develop.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Ensure your ground beef is well-browned to develop deep, rich flavor. This step is crucial for building a delicious base.
- Control the Fat: Drain excess fat after cooking the beef to keep your chili from becoming greasy. A leaner chili means more robust taste.
- Let It Simmer: The magic happens during the 20-25 minute simmer. This allows the spices to bloom and ingredients to meld, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Customize Your Toppings: While delicious on its own, consider topping your chili with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh chopped green onions for extra pizzazz.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 247kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 50mg
