Oven Easy Chili
A hearty and flavorful baked chili casserole with ground beef, beans, olives, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef with chopped onion; pour off excess fat.
- Stir in chili powder, tomato sauce, kidney beans with liquid, canned milk, and chopped olives.
- Cover the bottom of a buttered 2-quart casserole dish with a layer of crushed corn chips.
- Pour the meat mixture over the chips and top with additional crushed corn chips.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbling.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and return to the oven until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also customize the heat by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked ground beef. Canned black beans can be a good substitute for kidney beans, and feel free to experiment with different types of cheese on top, like pepper jack for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for a bright flavor contrast. It pairs beautifully with crushed corn chips on the side for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple salad or some homemade cornbread. This dish is also a great option for game day gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you have a lot leftover, consider freezing it for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Easy Chili contains roughly 1344 calories, with 54g protein, 195g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (188% of the Daily Value), iron (110% of the Daily Value), and protein (108% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1490mg per serving (65% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or by adding more beans and vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
What can I do if the chili is too thick?
If your chili turns out too thick, simply stir in a bit of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add extra canned tomatoes or beans to help balance the texture without compromising flavor.
Is it possible to make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chili a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, making it taste even better!
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).