Ernie'S Quick And Easy Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground meat, tomatoes, onions, and secret seasoning, perfect for casual gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground meat in a skillet.
- Stir in the canned whole tomatoes, chopped onions, tomato sauce, and chili seasoning mix.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or longer for better flavor.
- Optionally, transfer to a crock-pot and cook slowly.
- Add kidney beans if desired for variation or larger servings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the onions before adding them to the chili. If you're looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef. Feel free to add spices like cumin or paprika for an extra kick. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based meat substitutes and vegetable broth instead of meat and tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ernie's Quick and Easy Chili with a side of cornbread for a comforting meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced green onions for added flavor. This chili pairs beautifully with Green River Punch for a refreshing drink. For a more filling meal, consider serving it over rice or with tortilla chips for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze chili for longer storage, allowing it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ernie'S Quick And Easy Chili contains roughly 101 calories, with 11g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), iron (21% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth. Additionally, you can incorporate beans or lentils for protein and texture.
How can I make the chili spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili. You can also choose a spicier chili seasoning mix to elevate the flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 3-4 medium-sized tomatoes. Blanch and peel them, then chop and add them to the skillet with the other ingredients. Fresh tomatoes can provide a vibrant flavor to the chili.
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).