Quickie Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and smoky spices, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with a satisfying kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven or saucepan, brown ground beef, chopped onions, and chopped bell peppers; drain excess fat.
- Stir in condensed beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dark red kidney beans with their liquid, chili powder, and hot pepper sauce.
- Heat to a boil, then reduce heat to low; simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing garlic or adding a bay leaf while cooking the beef. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use canned beans of your choice if dark red kidney beans are unavailable. If you like more heat, increase the hot pepper sauce or add diced jalapeños. This chili is versatile and can be customized like in Amazing American Chop Suey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for an extra touch. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Quick And Zesty Vegetable-Beef Soup for a comforting dinner option.
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. For longer storage, consider freezing the chili in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quickie Chili contains roughly 808 calories, with 44g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value), protein (88% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1023mg per serving (44% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance, cool it, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for a quick weeknight meal.
Can I use different beans in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to mix different types of beans such as black beans or pinto beans. Just be mindful that the cooking time may vary slightly if you use dried beans instead of canned; ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the chili.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili is delicious on its own but can be served with toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, or cilantro. For a more filling meal, pair it with crusty bread or serve it over rice or baked potatoes.
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).