Easy Chili con Carne (Quick Weeknight Recipe)

Warm up with this Easy Chili con Carne. A rich, perfectly spiced ground beef and kidney bean chili that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Published: 7/24/2026

Easy Chili con Carne

When you need a hearty, warming meal that comes together fast, this Easy Chili con Carne is the ultimate weeknight savior. It relies on simple pantry staples and requires very little prep, but delivers a deep, satisfying flavor that tastes like it simmered all day.

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 400 g) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their natural oils.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the rinsed kidney beans.
5. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper.

Serving

Serve piping hot over cooked rice or with tortilla chips. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Categories: mains, comfort-food