No-Time Chili
A quick, hearty chili packed with flavorful spices, vegetables, and beans, perfect for busy weeknights and suited for those craving comforting, spicy comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 (3/8 oz.) package chili seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 3 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz.) package frozen cut green beans ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. quick cooking rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over moderate heat for 1 minute.
- Add frozen chopped onion and chopped green pepper; sauté, stirring often, for 2 minutes or until slightly softened.
- Add lean ground beef; stir and cook for 2 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Pour off the fat from the pan.
- Add chili seasoning mix and black pepper to the saucepan.
- Stir to combine and cook over moderate heat for 1 minute.
- Mix in canned tomatoes and drained kidney beans.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
- Add frozen green beans and red pepper flakes.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Serve the chili over the cooked rice and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the ground beef with minced garlic and cumin. You can substitute the green pepper with diced zucchini or yellow squash if you prefer. If you're short on time, using canned beans instead of dried can save you prep time. Adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili over the cooked rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a simple side salad. For a different take, try it with tortilla chips for a chili dip experience. Explore more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No-Time Chili contains roughly 414 calories, with 24g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 27g 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! To make this chili vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add more beans or vegetables for texture. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors of the vegetables.
How spicy is this chili?
The heat level can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe includes red pepper flakes, which add a mild kick. If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Alternatively, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Mixing different beans can also enhance the nutritional profile of the dish. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them.
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).