Microwave Chili Beans
A hearty microwave chili beans dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and beans, seasoned with chili powder—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal for any chili lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble hamburger into a 3-quart casserole bowl.
- Stir in chopped onion. Cook at high for 6 to 7 minutes.
- Stir once; drain excess fat and liquid.
- Stir in kidney beans, chopped stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and chili powder.
- Cover with lid and cook at high for 6 to 7 minutes, then at medium-low for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Stir occasionally during cooking.
- Stir the mixture, let stand covered for 7 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you're looking to reduce fat, use lean ground turkey instead of hamburger meat. You can also substitute black beans for kidney beans or use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for a spicy kick. This dish can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the microwave chili beans hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread or over rice. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Fran'S Salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated thoroughly. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Chili Beans contains roughly 734 calories, with 34g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value), iron (77% of the Daily Value), and protein (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2620mg per serving (114% 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 beans recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the hamburger meat with a plant-based ground meat alternative or simply omit the meat altogether. Increase the quantity of beans and add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added texture and flavor.
How spicy is this chili recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted to your preference by varying the amount of chili powder. Start with the lower amount and taste before adding more. If you enjoy heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor.
What can I serve with microwave chili beans?
This dish is versatile and pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast or a side of creamy coleslaw. It also complements recipes like Pork 'N Crescent Pasties(Easy, Fast And Great) for a hearty meal.
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).