Finding the right meal for busy weeknights is often a challenge for many of us. We all want Dinner Recipes Healthy that taste amazing without taking hours to prepare. You know what? It is even harder when you need to please picky eaters or stick to a tight budget. That is exactly why I am so excited to share this incredible beef chili recipe with you today. It checks every single box for a satisfying meal.
This dish is not just another bland health food option. It is rich, savory, and deeply comforting. Whether you are craving a warm bowl on a cold evening or need a meal prep solution, this recipe delivers. It is versatile enough to be cooked in a pressure cooker, on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker. This flexibility makes it one of my absolute favorite Dinner Recipes Healthy to keep in my rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with this chili for so many reasons. First and foremost, it is a Quick Healthy Dinner if you use the pressure cooker method. You can have a meal that tastes like it simmered all day in under thirty minutes. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a taste profile that is complex and satisfying. It is perfect for those nights when you get home late and just want something good to eat immediately.
Another huge plus is that this fits perfectly into the category of Cheap Dinners For A Family. Ground beef, beans, and canned tomatoes are accessible and affordable ingredients. You do not need to buy expensive cuts of meat or rare spices to make this shine. It is budget friendly without sacrificing quality or taste. You can feed a large group without breaking the bank, which is always a win in my book.
Finally, this is one of those Kid Friendly Dinners that parents dream about. The mild diced tomatoes and classic spices like cumin and paprika create a flavor that is tasty but not too spicy for little ones. You can always add more heat to your own bowl later. Plus, kids love customizing their bowls with toppings like cheese and sour cream. It turns dinner into a fun activity where everyone gets exactly what they want.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delicious meal. Everything listed here is simple and likely already in your pantry or easy to find at the local grocery store.
- 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can reduced sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can mild diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup reduced sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped red onions, cilantro leaves, lime wedges, sour cream, cheddar, and avocado (for serving)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this chili is straightforward, no matter which cooking method you prefer. I will break down the process so you can follow along easily. The preparation remains largely the same, but the cooking vehicle changes based on your schedule.
Step 1: Brown The Beef
Start by heating your cooking vessel. If you are using an Instant Pot, press the saute button. For the stovetop, use a large pot over medium high heat. For the slow cooker, do this step in a skillet first. Add the ground beef and season it with kosher salt. Cook the meat for about five minutes. You want to break the beef into small crumbles, roughly 3/4 inch in size. Stir it occasionally until it is browned and no longer pink.
Step 2: Sauté The Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, it is time to add the aromatics. Toss in the chopped onion and the chopped red bell pepper. Let these cook with the beef for one to two minutes. You will start to smell the onions softening and the peppers releasing their sweet aroma. This step builds the flavor base that makes this one of the best Dinner Recipes Healthy you will try.
Step 3: Add Liquids And Spices
Now comes the easy part. Add the rinsed black beans, the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the tomato sauce. Pour in the beef broth. This broth adds a rich, savory depth that replaces the need for alcohol like beer found in other recipes. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir everything well to combine.
Step 4: Pressure Cooker Method
If you are using an Instant Pot, secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. This high pressure environment forces the flavors into the meat and beans quickly. Once the timer goes off, allow for a natural release of pressure. This helps keep the meat tender. Open the lid, taste for salt, and adjust if needed.
Step 5: Stovetop Method
For the traditional route, cover your large pot after adding all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low. You want a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Cook this for at least 60 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. The longer simmer time allows the flavors to blend perfectly, making it a classic choice for Dinner Recipes Healthy.
Step 6: Slow Cooker Method
If you browned your meat in a skillet, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker now. Add the remaining ingredients if you have not already. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This is the ultimate “set it and forget it” method. When you come home, your house will smell amazing. Taste for salt before serving.
How To Store Leftovers
Leftovers are one of the best parts of making a big batch of chili. Honestly, I think it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to sit together. To store it, let the chili cool down completely first. Do not put a hot pot directly into the fridge.
Transfer the chili into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, this recipe freezes beautifully. Place portions in freezer safe bags or containers. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you need a Quick Healthy Dinner in the future, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
When reheating, you might notice the chili has thickened up a bit. This is normal. You can stir in a splash of water or extra beef broth to get it back to your desired consistency. It is a lifesaver for those days when you have zero energy to cook.
Tips
To make this the best bowl of chili possible, here are a few handy tips. First, do not skip the toppings. The chili itself is delicious, but the toppings add texture and freshness. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice cut through the richness of the beef. Creamy avocado or sour cream balances the spices perfectly.
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can let it simmer uncovered for the last ten to fifteen minutes of the stovetop method. For the Instant Pot, you can use the saute function at the end to boil off excess liquid. Just be sure to stir frequently so it does not burn.
For those who like extra heat, feel free to increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. However, if you are aiming for Kid Friendly Dinners, keep the spice level mild and offer hot sauce at the table for the adults. This way, everyone is happy with their meal.
Using reduced sodium ingredients like the broth and beans gives you more control over the saltiness. It is much easier to add salt at the end than to try and fix a dish that is too salty. This small change makes a big difference in creating Dinner Recipes Healthy that are good for your heart too.
Conclusion
This beef chili really is a standout recipe. It combines ease, flavor, and nutrition in one pot. Whether you are looking for Dinner Recipes Healthy to kickstart a better diet or just need something warm and filling, this dish works. It proves that eating well does not have to be complicated or expensive.
I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your home just like it is in mine. It is rare to find Cheap Dinners For A Family that feel this satisfying. Give it a try this week. I bet you will be surprised at how quickly it comes together and how much your family enjoys it.
If you make this chili, please leave a comment and let me know which cooking method you used. I love hearing how these recipes work out in your kitchens. Enjoy your cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you absolutely can. To make this vegetarian, simply swap the ground beef for a plant based meat alternative or add extra beans like pinto or kidney beans. Also, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It is still one of the most delicious Dinner Recipes Healthy without the meat.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Generally, this recipe is gluten free as long as your spices and broth are certified gluten free. Always check the labels on your beef broth and taco seasonings to be sure. It is a naturally safe option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Using ground turkey is a great idea if you want an even leaner option. It works perfectly as a substitute for beef. Since turkey is leaner, you might need a touch of oil when browning it to prevent sticking. It keeps the dish light and qualifies it as a fantastic Quick Healthy Dinner.
How Can I Make It Spicier?
If the standard recipe is too mild for you, try adding a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add crushed red pepper flakes. Adjusting the heat is easy and makes this customizable for spice lovers.
Easy Weeknight Beef Chili
This quick and easy beef chili is a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s a rich, savory, and comforting meal that’s budget-friendly and kid-approved. Make it in under 30 minutes in a pressure cooker!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to ‘Saute’. Add the ground beef and season with kosher salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles, until browned and no longer pink.
- Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the rinsed black beans, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix everything well to combine.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. This keeps the meat tender.
- Open the lid, taste the chili, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Don’t skip the toppings! Fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and creamy avocado or sour cream add texture and freshness that perfectly balances the rich chili.
If you prefer a thicker chili, use the ‘Saute’ function at the end to simmer and reduce the liquid for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper. For a kid-friendly version, keep it mild and offer hot sauce at the table for adults.
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