Quick and Easy Beef Chili

Quick and easy beef chili is just that - quick and easy! If you're looking for a delicious gluten-free meal for your family filled with beef, beans, tomatoes - this is it!

A small crock of beef chili topped with sour cream, green onions, and diced avocado.

Chili: A spicy stew containing meat, chili peppers or chili powder, often with beans and tomatoes. 

That’s the basic definition of chili. But you and I both know we see sooo many variations of chili these days, it’s almost hard to keep up. Pumpkin Chili, White Chicken Chili, Vegetarian Quinoa Chili.. and the list goes on!

Most cooks have a chili recipe that is their go-to and honestly they couldn’t be more different than the next person’s recipe. Some people like more spice, some like beans, others hate them, etc.  And everyone claims that theirs is the absolute greatest chili that you will ever have. But you know, I almost feel as though a person’s chili recipe is personal. It truly is all personal preference. Which means you really can’t go wrong!

A spoon full of beef chili topped with green onions and diced avocado.

And that’s what I love about chili. Depending on how I’m feeling that day, I can make a chili that suits my tastes and cravings.

Chili recipes vary so much and are getting so creative, you could have a different chili recipe each day of the year and never feel like you’re eaten the same ole thing day after day. I don’t think you could say that about most foods!

For this recipe, I wanted to give you a basic, no-frills chili. Simple ingredients that you can find in your kitchen already; Nothing too fancy. There’s a time and a place for fancy chili, believe me. But, today just didn’t feel like one of them.

This basic chili is everything that I needed.  It’s warm and filling, has a kick of spice and is just full of flavor. It’s ready in under an hour, which is great for a quick weeknight meal. Add a little green onion and diced avocado on top and you are in for an easy and delicious dinner!

Other Comforting Gluten-Free Chili and Stew Recipes

Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of chili or stew? From soups to stews to chilis, big bowls of comforting food are perfect for fall and winter!

My slow cooker turkey chili is such an easy recipe for meal prep or a get together with friends. I love to top it with guacamole and green onion.

If stews are more your thing, try out these peruvian beef stew for a flavorful meal! It even uses gluten-free beer in the recipe!

Soups are a must have during the cold months. My Cabbage Roll Soup is tasty and way easier to make than typical cabbage rolls! This Peruvian Turkey and Rice Soup is another great gluten-free soup that you just throw all in one pot!

Are you on a keto diet? Try this Whole30 Keto Chili in the Instant Pot! It’s ready in no time! 

An overhead view of a small crock of beef chili with half an avocado on the side and a large pot of chili next to it.

Quick and Easy Beef Chili Recipe

Quick and Easy Beef Chili

Quick and easy beef chili is just that - quick and easy! If you're looking for a delicious gluten-free meal for your family filled with beef, beans, tomatoes - this is it!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 479kcal
Author: Megan

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups yellow or white onion (diced (about 1 large onion))
  • 1 cup green bell pepper (diced (about 1 bell pepper))
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 16 oz tomato sauce
  • 15 oz (1 can) black beans
  • 15 oz (1 can) kidney beans
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium high heat, add the oil to the pan. Cook the onions and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring often to not burn the garlic.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until the beef crumbles and no pink remains.
  • Add the tomato sauce, beans, spices and water. Stir to combine.
  • Cover with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Serve with diced avocado and green onion.

Notes

I like my chili beefy and chunky. You can easily add more tomato sauce or diced tomatoes if you're more of a saucy person.

Nutrition

Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 686mg | Potassium: 1010mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 740IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 6.3mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ADashofMegnut or tag #adashofmegnut!

A wooden spoon full of beef chili over a large stock pot of chili.

about megan

I’m Megan

A gluten-free food blogger from Chicago and lover of all things food, showing you gluten-free can be easy and delicious, too. Let’s make gluten-free stress free together! Read more…

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16 Comments

  1. I so agree that chili seems to be such a personal thing! EVERYONE seems to have a personal twist, but I must admit, yours seems RIGHT up my alley. I love that it’s quick and easy too! This is definitely going on the meal plan for next week 🙂

    1. Thank you so much Leah! I love all the different takes on chili! So fun to see how everyone enjoys theirs. I hope you enjoy this recipe 🙂

  2. Your photography is gorgeous! I love chili, will definitely be trying out your recipe!

    1. Aw thank you so much!!! You are too sweet 🙂

  3. This is a wonderful chili recipe and one I know I will be making in the near future as temperatures drop! Thank you for sharing!

    1. Thanks so much Ashleigh! It certainly is perfect for cold days!

  4. I could easily live off of chili, it’s one of my favorite meals! I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to try, especially ones that are as quick as this one! I’ll be giving this a try soon!

    1. Than you Natalia! I hope you enjoy it 🙂

  5. Such comfort food! Great for weeknights! Thank you for the wonderful recipe I am definitely going to make this one.

    1. Thank you! This is definitely one of my favorite weeknight meals!

  6. Great recipe as always! I love chili 🙂 it is perfect for the fall, and the perfect way to eat is with tortillas and guacamole on the side 🙂

    1. Thanks girl! Any chance you’ve done a homemade tortilla recipe on your blog yet? I want to try one!

  7. Yes, yes, yes, I love beef chili! I’ll have to make this soon. Thanks for sharing, Megan!

  8. I’d love to dig into that, but it’s almost 90 degrees here today and will be 100 tomorrow. I shall save this for when it gets COOLER! 😉

  9. Lynn | The Road to Honey says:

    Completely agree that chili is a personal thing (I like mine with lots of lime and low on the beans). Most take loads of time on the stovetop or slow cooker to develop their flavors. I love that this recipe is quick and easy and always on the ready to fulfill those impromptu chili cravings.

  10. I just love your recipes. I wrote them down in my little notebook. I am glad I have found a way to eat without bloating, I have so many food allergies >.< so it's good to find some recipes for inspiration! Have a great weekend dear <3