Busy Day Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring tender chunks of beef, kidney beans, and savory seasonings, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that suits busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped chuck meat in a large skillet.
- Remove and drain the fat from the skillet.
- Saute the chopped onion in the skillet until golden.
- Return the browned meat to the skillet.
- Add the red kidney beans, tomato soup, pepper, chili powder, and salt to the skillet.
- Stir well, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice and/or crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chuck with a mix of mushrooms and lentils. You can also use canned black beans instead of kidney beans for a different taste. Adjust the chili powder to suit your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Busy Day Chili hot, ideally with a side of rice or crunchy crackers. It also pairs beautifully with the Hot Pepper Relish(Jalapeno Chow-Chow) for an extra kick. Consider topping each bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Day Chili contains roughly 460 calories, with 44g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 556mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes, this chili can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight. Simply cool and store as mentioned before, then reheat when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. This will provide a similar texture and flavor profile, ensuring your chili remains delicious.
How can I make the chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also incorporate diced green chiles or a few drops of hot sauce during cooking to customize the spice level to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).