Quick And Easy Chili
A quick and hearty chili packed with flavorful ground beef, salsa, and spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish comes together rapidly and can be customized with cheese. It appeals to those who enjoy bold, savory flavors in a satisfying, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Drain excess fat from the saucepan.
- Add the beans, salsa, chili powder, and dried oregano leaves to the beef mixture.
- Cover the saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the chili topped with shredded Cheddar cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey. You can also substitute the Ortega salsa with your favorite brand or homemade salsa for a fresher taste. Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra heat. If you're pressed for time, using canned beans is a great shortcut.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chili with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with shredded Cheddar cheese on top, as well as a dollop of sour cream or sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy a kick. For a more complete dinner, consider serving with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. Chili also freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Chili contains roughly 1129 calories, with 27g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (295% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1318mg per serving (57% 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 turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be mindful of cooking times, as poultry may cook a bit faster. You may also want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a mix of chopped vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, or use canned beans as the base protein. You can also add lentils for extra heartiness. Make sure to use a vegetarian-friendly salsa.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or a bit of sugar, which can help mellow the flavors. Additionally, adding more beans or tomatoes can dilute the spice while enhancing the overall texture.
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).