Quick Spicy Chile
A quick, flavorful chili with ground meat, Mexican tomatoes, beans, and bold spices, perfect for a hearty meal that appeals to spice lovers and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 lb. ground skinless white meat (turkey or deer) ⓘ
- 1 pkg. onion soup mix ⓘ
- 2 cans Mexican style tomatoes and juice ⓘ
- 2 cans Ranch Style pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 (27 oz.) can light spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Mexican seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the ground meat and minced garlic in a nonstick frying pan sprayed with nonfat cooking spray until all the pink disappears.
- Add the onion soup mix, Mexican style tomatoes with juice, Ranch Style pinto beans, spaghetti sauce, chili powder, cumin, Mexican seasoning, paprika, and minced garlic to the pan.
- Simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegan version. If you prefer a thicker chile, reduce the amount of spaghetti sauce or add more beans. Don't forget to taste and adjust the spices, especially the chili powder, to suit your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Quick Spicy Chile with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Pico De Gallo(Fresh Vegetable Relish) or a side of White Corn Salsa for a refreshing contrast. Top with shredded cheese or avocado for added creaminess, and enjoy it with tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, adding a splash of water if it appears too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Spicy Chile contains roughly 429 calories, with 19g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (111% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 981mg per serving (43% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this chile can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container.
What can I serve with this chile?
This Quick Spicy Chile is versatile. You can serve it with cornbread, over rice, or with tortilla chips. For a healthier option, consider pairing it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This chile freezes well. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).