Microwave Country Chili
A hearty and flavorful microwave chili featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with a comforting kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine beef and onions in a 4-quart microproof casserole.
- Cook on High for 8 to 10 minutes, or just until beef loses its pink color, stirring once.
- Add remaining ingredients: stewed tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, kidney beans, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to mix. Cover and cook on Low for 35 to 45 minutes, or until hot, stirring once.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you're out of kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans work well as substitutes. To save time, use pre-chopped onions or frozen diced onions. Adjust the chili powder to your taste, especially if you prefer a milder flavor. This chili can also be made in a slow cooker, similar to Carmen'S Crock-Pot Chili, for a hands-off approach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of American recipes like coleslaw or a fresh garden salad. For a fun twist, use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the chili thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water or additional tomato juice when reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Country Chili contains roughly 676 calories, with 39g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), protein (78% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1265mg per serving (55% 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 ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for lean ground beef in this recipe. It will reduce the fat content while still providing a hearty texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey may cook faster than beef.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a mix of chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also use a meat substitute like lentils or crumbled tempeh. Ensure that the broth and tomato products used are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I freeze the chili?
Absolutely! This chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
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).