Meatless 3-Step Chili
A hearty meatless chili featuring rice, beans, corn, and vegetables, flavored with Italian dressing and spices, perfect for a flavorful, easy vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked converted rice ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1 can (19 oz) kidney beans, rinsed ⓘ
- 1 can (15-1/4 oz) whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Kraft Italian Dressing ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Kraft Shredded Mexican Style Cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice in a 3-quart saucepan as package directs, adding chopped onion and sliced celery during cooking.
- Five minutes before rice is done, stir in kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Italian dressing, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheese and cook until melted.
- Serve topped with additional shredded cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onion and celery in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the rice. You can substitute brown rice for converted rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want a bit more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Sonny'S Salsa Dip for a delightful appetizer spread. Enjoy it with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping, and consider a side salad for a refreshing contrast. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or as part of a potluck meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatless 3-Step Chili contains roughly 780 calories, with 27g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1644mg per serving (71% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Is this chili easily customizable?
Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots. You can also switch up the beans or use different types of cheese for variety. For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, this chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
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).