Description

This easy Brick Red Homestyle chili recipe is a reliable, family-friendly meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. It features ground beef, beans, and rich tomato flavor, simmering gently for a comforting and hearty dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tsp)
1 medium bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.5 cup water or broth

Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, brown 1 lb of ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until no longer pink and crumbled. Drain off any excess fat.
Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 diced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Toast Spices: Stir in 2 Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are very fragrant and lightly toasted.
Combine & Simmer: Pour in 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 (15 oz) can rinsed kidney beans, 1 (15 oz) can rinsed pinto beans, and 0.5 cup water or broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook to Perfection: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20-30 minutes for a quick chili, or for 1-2 hours for deeper, melded flavors, stirring occasionally. If it looks too thick or is sticking, add 0.25 cup more water or broth.

Notes

For a lower-carb option, increase bell peppers or zucchini and reduce beans. To boost high-protein content, use extra-lean ground meat or an additional can of beans. If chili gets too thick, add more broth or water. If too bland, taste and adjust chili powder, cumin, or salt, or add a dash of hot sauce. For deeper flavor, simmer longer.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 400 calories
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 10 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: easy chili, homestyle, beans, ground beef, meal prep, family-friendly, stovetop, quick dinner, comfort food