Easy Chili Con Carne Skillet
A hearty and flavorful skillet dish combining ground meat, beans, and chili spices, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with a comforting taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey and cook the chopped onion until tender; drain excess fat.
- Add chili powder to the cooked meat and onion mixture.
- Pour in the can of tomato soup and add the kidney beans with their liquid.
- Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, optionally with fried eggs on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or garlic to the skillet when cooking the onion. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef or turkey with lentils or tempeh. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, or try a smoky variant for a different taste. This dish can also be enhanced with a dash of hot sauce or cumin.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the chili.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chili Con Carne Skillet contains roughly 760 calories, with 48g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), protein (96% of the Daily Value), and iron (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 573mg per serving (25% 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 ahead of time and tastes even better after the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it on the stove before serving.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To enhance the heat, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Adjust to your taste preferences for the perfect spicy kick.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and onion first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
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).