Delicious Microwave Chili
A hearty and flavorful microwave chili featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for quick, satisfying meals for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble ground beef in a 2-quart glass casserole dish.
- Stir in onion and green pepper.
- Cover with a glass lid.
- Microwave for about 5 minutes on High or until meat is browned.
- Drain excess fat and stir in tomato paste, whole tomatoes, kidney beans, water, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder.
- Re-cover the dish.
- Microwave for 14 to 16 minutes on Medium or until hot.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with shredded cheese on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, consider using pre-cooked ground beef or turkey. You can also substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different flavor. If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the chili powder based on your spice tolerance. Remember that letting the chili sit for a few minutes enhances the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced green onions for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips. Consider serving a side of Yummy Beans for a hearty meal. This dish also makes a great filling for tacos or burritos, adding versatility to your dinner options.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delicious Microwave Chili contains roughly 866 calories, with 40g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (143% of the Daily Value), iron (89% of the Daily Value), and protein (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2674mg per serving (116% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or using lentils. Ensure to adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the flavors of your substitute.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more chili powder or include diced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to achieve the desired heat.
Can I prepare this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chili a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat it before serving, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go.
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).