Easiest Chili Ever
A hearty, flavorful chili with beef or turkey, ripe tomatoes, and kidney beans, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners craving comfort and bold spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown and crumble beef in skillet. Drain.
- While beef cooks, put sliced stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, water, chopped onion, chili powder, salt, cumin, and pepper into the slow cooker in the order given.
- Add cooked, drained beef to the slow cooker.
- Stir all ingredients together.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours.
- It can cook longer if needed, up to 6 hours on high or 12 hours on low.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the slow cooker. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute ground turkey with diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also use canned tomatoes with green chilies for added flavor. Ensure to drain and rinse the kidney beans to reduce sodium content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions add delicious flavors and textures. It pairs beautifully with Herb Roast for a complete dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions until heated through. This chili also freezes well; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easiest Chili Ever contains roughly 644 calories, with 29g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value), and calcium (100% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 756mg per serving (33% 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 use other types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While dark red kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
Is it possible to make this chili without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Simply brown the meat in a large pot, then add all the other ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld.
How can I make this chili healthier?
To make this chili healthier, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground chuck. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and beans to reduce sodium intake.
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).