Lazy Hazy Beef Chili: A Deliciously Easy One-Pot Recipe

Chili. The word conjures images of cozy nights, roaring fireplaces, and the satisfying warmth that spreads through your body with each spoonful. But sometimes, the thought of spending hours chopping vegetables, browning meat, and babysitting a simmering pot can feel… daunting. Enter: Lazy Hazy Beef Chili, a recipe designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. This isn’t your grandmother’s painstakingly crafted chili; it’s a streamlined, shortcut-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, unexpected guests, or any time you crave the comforting embrace of chili without the all-day commitment.

## Why This Chili is a Game-Changer

Forget the intricate dance of finely diced ingredients and constant stirring. This Lazy Hazy Beef Chili prioritizes convenience without sacrificing the rich, hearty flavor you expect from a good chili. Here’s what makes it so special:

* **One-Pot Wonder:** Fewer dishes mean less cleanup. Everything cooks in a single pot (or Dutch oven), making it a weeknight savior.
* **Shortcut Ingredients:** We embrace the use of canned goods and pre-made seasonings to speed up the process without sacrificing taste. Think canned diced tomatoes, chili seasoning packets, and canned beans.
* **Customizable Heat:** Easily adjust the spice level to your preference. Add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño for extra kick.
* **Adaptable to Dietary Needs:** Gluten-free? No problem! Vegetarian? Easily swap the beef for plant-based crumbles.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick and easy meal any time.
* **Effortless Flavor:** Despite its simplicity, this chili is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of quality ingredients and a slow simmer.

## The Star Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this Lazy Hazy Beef Chili so delicious:

* **Ground Beef:** The foundation of our chili. Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to avoid excessive grease. Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can also be used as substitutes.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base flavor. Yellow or white onions work best.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** Provides the essential tomatoey tang and liquid for the chili. Opt for fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
* **Canned Tomato Sauce:** Adds richness and depth to the chili. Look for a tomato sauce with no added sugar.
* **Canned Beans:** A chili staple. Kidney beans and black beans are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with pinto beans, cannellini beans, or a combination of your favorites.
* **Chili Seasoning Packet:** The secret weapon for effortless flavor. These packets contain a blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and other spices that perfectly complement the other ingredients.
* **Beef Broth:** Adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor. Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the onion and browning the beef.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** This is where you can get creative! Corn, bell peppers, jalapeños, and even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can elevate your chili to the next level.

## Lazy Hazy Beef Chili Recipe

Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s the step-by-step guide to making this ridiculously easy and delicious chili:

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
* 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 packet chili seasoning (about 1.25 ounces)
* 1 cup beef broth
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, avocado

**Equipment:**

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Wooden spoon or spatula

**Instructions:**

**Step 1: Sauté the Onion**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should become translucent and fragrant.

**Step 2: Brown the Beef**

* Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
* Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess grease. (Nobody wants greasy chili!)

**Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients**

* Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, chili seasoning packet, and beef broth.
* Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

**Step 4: Simmer the Chili**

* Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

**Step 5: Taste and Adjust**

* After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want it spicier, add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce. If it’s too thick, add a little more beef broth.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, and avocado.
* Serve with a side of cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.

## Variations and Customization

The beauty of this Lazy Hazy Beef Chili is its versatility. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking and experiment with different flavors. Here are a few ideas:

* **Spicy Chili:** Add a chopped jalapeño pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili while it simmers.
* **Vegetarian Chili:** Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or an extra can of beans. You can also add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
* **White Chicken Chili:** Substitute ground chicken for the beef and use white beans (cannellini or great northern beans) instead of kidney beans and black beans. Add a can of green chiles for extra flavor.
* **Chili with Corn:** Add a can of drained corn or frozen corn kernels to the chili during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
* **Chili with Beer:** Add a bottle of your favorite beer (a dark beer like stout or porter works well) to the chili while it simmers. The beer will add a depth of flavor and richness.
* **Slow Cooker Chili:** Brown the beef and onion in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

## Tips for the Best Lazy Hazy Beef Chili

* **Don’t skimp on the simmering time.** The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the richer the chili will become.
* **Use good-quality ingredients.** While this is a shortcut recipe, using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of the chili. Choose lean ground beef, good-quality canned tomatoes, and fresh onions.
* **Taste and adjust the seasoning.** After the chili has simmered for a while, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder, cumin, or other spices to your liking.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment.** This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own signature chili.
* **Refrigerate leftovers promptly.** Allow leftover chili to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

## Serving Suggestions

Lazy Hazy Beef Chili is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are a few ideas:

* **Toppings:** Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce.
* **Sides:** Cornbread, crackers, tortilla chips, rice, a side salad.
* **Creative Uses:** Chili dogs, chili cheese fries, chili mac and cheese, chili baked potatoes.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Allow leftover chili to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chili in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?**
A: Yes! Brown the beef and onion in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

**Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?**
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to use lean ground turkey to avoid excessive grease.

**Q: Can I make this chili vegetarian?**
A: Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or an extra can of beans. You can also add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.

**Q: Can I add more vegetables to this chili?**
A: Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, corn, carrots, zucchini, or celery.

**Q: How do I make this chili spicier?**
A: Add a chopped jalapeño pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili while it simmers.

**Q: How long does this chili last in the refrigerator?**
A: Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Q: Can I freeze this chili?**
A: Yes! Freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Conclusion

This Lazy Hazy Beef Chili is a testament to the fact that delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its simple ingredients, one-pot convenience, and customizable flavors, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or any time you crave a warm and comforting bowl of chili. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a lazy hazy chili experience that will leave you feeling full, happy, and completely satisfied. Happy cooking!