The Best Easy Chili Recipe: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, & Instant Pot Methods

If you’re searching for that ultimate, incredibly easy chili recipe – the kind that consistently earns rave reviews and gets requests for seconds – then your quest ends here. This versatile recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or for effortlessly feeding a hungry crowd. You have the flexibility to prepare it using your preferred method: a slow cooker, an Instant Pot, or a classic stovetop pot. Best of all, it’s a true pantry staple, relying on simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making delicious homemade chili more accessible than ever before.

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I understand what you might be thinking, “Really, Jami? Another basic chili recipe?” Believe me, I’ve had that exact thought for years myself. In fact, it’s precisely why there hasn’t been a chili recipe on my site, despite me sharing recipes since 2009! For a long time, I felt that with countless chili recipes available on major cooking websites, and given my own tendency to simply toss ingredients and spices into a pot without a formal guide, adding yet another recipe seemed unnecessary. I never truly followed a recipe for chili; it was always an intuitive, “throw-together” meal.

But here’s the surprising truth: over the years, the one recipe both my family and my dedicated readers consistently asked for was chili. Yes, a simple, hearty chili! This consistent demand finally prompted me to take action.

So, for the past couple of years, “chili recipe” has been firmly on my to-do list. After meticulously documenting my process and rigorously testing it, I am now incredibly confident in this particular recipe. I can genuinely say that this is truly the best easy chili recipe you will find anywhere. It embodies everything a perfect chili should be: deeply flavorful, satisfying, and remarkably straightforward to prepare.

What makes it the best? It boasts an incredible depth of flavor, built from carefully selected layers of spices and seasonings. These spices are always adjustable to your preference, ensuring a perfect balance every time. Each spoonful is so rich and satisfying that you’ll be scraping the bowl clean, savoring every last bit.

And why is it so easy? Because it relies on basic, readily available pantry ingredients. We’re not venturing into overly complex “authentic chili” territory that might involve expensive cuts of beef chuck, strict adherence to no-tomato rules, or hand-ground spices that require extra effort. This recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. Furthermore, its ease is amplified by the choice of three convenient cooking methods: on the stovetop for traditionalists, in a slow cooker for hands-off convenience, or using an Instant Pot for quick and efficient preparation.

Need more recipes that use basic pantry ingredients? Get more easy pantry meal ideas here.

This recipe is also incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to fit your dietary needs and taste preferences. You can easily make it with ground turkey, calling it a “healthier” option (find more details on this in the FAQs below), or use ground pork, chicken, or any other ground meat you have on hand. If you prefer, you can omit the beans entirely, though they add significant nutritional value in the form of protein and fiber. For those who prefer zero spice, simply use only sweet bell peppers. Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like carrots or zucchini for an extra boost of nutrition.

While many aspects are flexible, what you absolutely shouldn’t change are the carefully balanced layers of spices and seasonings. The quantity and combination of chili powder, in particular, are crucial – it truly makes this recipe shine and provides its signature flavor. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the secret to its success.

Since finding a high-quality chili powder free from additives can sometimes be challenging and expensive, I’ve thoughtfully included my homemade chili powder recipe directly in the recipe card below. This homemade blend is also adaptable, allowing you to fine-tune the spice levels to your liking. Plus, it makes enough for multiple batches of chili, so you won’t need to prepare a fresh batch of seasoning every time you decide to make this comforting meal.

Recipe Video

Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Chili

While “5 Ingredients or Less” recipes are popular for their simplicity, chili is one dish where you truly don’t want to skimp on the spices and seasonings. At its absolute core, it can be broken down into five basic components: meat, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and beans. However, it’s the rich and aromatic blend of seasonings that truly transforms these simple components into the robust and comforting dish we know and love as chili. Each spice plays a vital role in building the complex flavor profile that sets this recipe apart.

• Ground meat: Choose your favorite – ground beef for classic richness, turkey for a leaner option, or pork or chicken for a different flavor profile. The fat from beef adds flavor, but turkey or chicken also works well, especially if you’re looking for a “healthier” version.
• Canned tomatoes: A combination of crushed and diced tomatoes provides both a smooth base and textural variety. Crushed tomatoes offer a richer, thicker consistency, while diced tomatoes add chunks of tomato for bite.
• Onions: A foundational aromatic that adds sweetness and depth when sautéed. Yellow or white onions are typically used.
• Peppers: You can use a mix of sweet peppers (like bell peppers) and hot peppers (like Anaheim, Poblano, or jalapeños) to control the heat level. This is also an excellent opportunity to utilize your frozen preserved peppers, ensuring no waste.
• Canned (or cooked and frozen) beans: Kidney beans or black beans are classic choices, offering protein and fiber. Feel free to use your preferred bean variety or omit them entirely if you’re not a fan.
• Garlic: Essential for a pungent, aromatic base that complements the other savory flavors. Freshly minced garlic yields the best results.
• Chili powder: This is the star spice. A quality blend is key. As mentioned, it can be hard to find an inexpensive, natural store-bought version, which is why the homemade recipe in the card below is a game-changer for flavor and control.
• Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor that is characteristic of good chili. Buying in bulk can save you money, and it’s versatile for other dishes like salads and soups.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to taste throughout the cooking process.
• Coriander, ground: Derived from the seed of the cilantro plant, ground coriander contributes a subtle, citrusy, and slightly sweet note that adds a pleasant “pop” of flavor and complexity.
• Dried oregano: Adds a pungent, slightly bitter, and earthy aroma that is integral to the overall chili flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: (Optional) For an extra kick of heat, these can be added to personal preference.
• Optional toppings: Grated cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack are popular), sliced green onions, cool sour cream, creamy avocados or guacamole, and even a dash of hot sauce. These additions elevate the chili experience and allow for personalized enjoyment.

Mastering the Best Easy Chili: Step-by-Step Guide

The remarkable simplicity of this chili recipe lies in its straightforward preparation. Regardless of which cooking method you select – stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot – the initial steps are always the same and crucial for building a foundational flavor profile. You begin by browning the ground meat, then introducing the aromatic vegetables to cook alongside the meat. This initial sautéing step is paramount; it develops a rich depth of flavor through caramelization that simply cannot be achieved by merely combining raw ingredients. Browning the meat not only adds savory notes but also creates fond at the bottom of the pan, which will later deglaze and infuse the entire chili with robust taste.

For those opting for the traditional stovetop or slow cooker methods, this initial browning and sautéing will take place in a large skillet or stockpot on your stove. However, if you’re utilizing the Instant Pot for its efficiency, you can perform this step directly in the Instant Pot’s inner pot using its convenient sauté setting. This eliminates the need for an extra pan, streamlining your cooking process.

Once the meat is beautifully browned and the vegetables have softened and released their flavors, you simply add all the remaining ingredients to the pot. From there, you allow the chili to work its magic. The true secret to an incredibly flavorful chili is patience; low and slow cooking allows all the spices and ingredients to meld together, developing a rich, harmonious, and deeply satisfying taste. The longer it simmers, the more complex and delicious the chili becomes.

Comparing Cooking Times for All Three Methods

Selecting the right cooking method for your chili depends entirely on your available time, your daily schedule, and how much hands-on involvement you prefer. Each method offers distinct advantages, allowing you to seamlessly integrate this delicious meal into your routine.

After the initial 5 to 10 minutes required for browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, here’s a breakdown of the remaining cooking time for each method:

1. STOVETOP: This method requires a bit more attention but offers excellent control over the consistency. After the initial steps, bring the chili to a boil, which takes a few minutes. Then, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. For a slightly thicker consistency and deeper flavor development, remove the lid and continue cooking for another 30 minutes uncovered. This totals approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes of cooking time. The stovetop method is flexible and can always go longer if you desire an even richer flavor. Remember to monitor and stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially towards the end. (A good 6-quart stainless steel stock pot with a tri-ply base is an excellent investment for this recipe, ensuring even heat distribution).
2. SLOW COOKER/CROCKPOT: This is the ultimate hands-off method, perfect for busy days. Once the meat and veggies are browned, simply scrape them into the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, stir well, and cover. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. This method is ideal if you’ll be out of the house for most of the day and want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal. The long, slow simmer truly allows the flavors to intensify and tenderize the meat beautifully. (This particular slow cooker that I own is fantastic, especially with its locking lid feature, making it easy to transport to potlucks or gatherings.)
3. INSTANT POT: For those times when you need delicious chili in a hurry, the Instant Pot is your go-to. After browning the meat and vegetables directly in the pot, turn off the sauté function, add all other ingredients, and stir. Lock the lid, set the knob to seal, and choose the Manual (or High Pressure) setting for 10 minutes. The pot will take approximately 10-15 minutes to come up to pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before performing a quick release. This means the total active time in the pot is around 45-50 minutes. While the total time might not be drastically different from the stovetop for this type of recipe (as I’ve often observed), the significant advantage of the Instant Pot is its completely hands-off operation during the pressure cooking phase, freeing you up to do other tasks. (This is the newer version of the Instant Pot that I use and highly recommend.)

My personal favorite method is the slow cooker, primarily because I appreciate the convenience of being able to “set it and forget it.” There’s nothing quite like walking into the kitchen after a long day to the aroma of perfectly cooked chili. However, if my morning is particularly hectic and I miss the window for starting the slow cooker, I confidently turn to either the Instant Pot (as beautifully illustrated in the accompanying photos) or the stovetop. The stovetop method, with its uncovered simmering phase, often yields a slightly thicker chili, which can be a delightful variation.

Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions

A bowl of warm, hearty chili is a meal in itself, but the right accompaniments can elevate it to an extraordinary dining experience. For classic perfection, serve your chili with a generous sprinkle of grated cheese – sharp cheddar or creamy Monterey Jack are excellent choices. A dollop of cool sour cream adds a delightful tang and creamy texture, beautifully contrasting the chili’s richness. And don’t forget the vibrant crunch of sliced green onions, which provide a fresh, mild onion flavor.

For an extra touch of indulgence, if I happen to have fresh avocados on hand or a batch of homemade guacamole, I absolutely love adding a few slices or a spoonful on top. The creamy, rich avocado is a fantastic complement to the robust chili flavors.

The quintessential side dish for chili is, without a doubt, cornbread. My favorite is this moist and tender cornbread recipe, especially when served with a drizzle of honey butter – it truly achieves perfection. However, for a more casual and crunchy alternative, we often enjoy our chili with crushed tortilla chips or Trader Joe’s Corn Chip Dippers, which are essentially an organic, slightly healthier version of classic Fritos. These add a satisfying crunch and salty balance to each bite.

Here are some fresh salad options that pair wonderfully with chili, offering a lighter contrast to the hearty main course:

• Spicy Cumin Lime Coleslaw Recipe: A zesty and refreshing coleslaw that cuts through the richness of the chili with its bright, tangy notes.
• Green Salad with Best Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe: A simple yet satisfying green salad, made extraordinary with a creamy, herby homemade ranch dressing.
• Orange Almond Salad with Orange-Balsamic Vinaigrette: A unique and elegant salad featuring citrus, crunchy almonds, and a delightful vinaigrette, offering a sweet and tart counterpoint.

I truly hope this best easy chili recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing joy and warmth to your family meals. If you give it a try, please be sure to leave a recipe rating and let me know how much you loved it!

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