Do you need a quick and delicious meal that won’t break the bank? Look no further – chili is here! Just follow these easy steps to make chili in less than 25 minutes: obtain the ingredients, sauté any meat and vegetables of your choice, add tomatoes, season with herbs and spices, allow it to simmer until all the flavors have blended together, then serve. Enjoy! Follow along and learn how to make quick chili!
Here is a very simple recipe for chili:
Ingredients Needed For Delicious Quick Chili:
- 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (29 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (optional, can also use water)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro
How to Make Quick Chili:
STEP 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Salt and pepper meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
STEP 2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
STEP 3. Add the chili powder, paprika, and cumin and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
STEP 4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, both cans of beans, and beef broth.
STEP 5. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until the flavors have melded and the chili has thickened slightly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
We love to serve our quick chili with shredded cheddar cheese and crackers. To save even more money on this meal, shred your own cheese.
Why Chili is a Healthy Meal for Your Family
Chili can be considered a healthy meal for several reasons:
Lots of Protein: Chili is often made with ground beef, turkey or other sources of protein which are essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
High in Fiber: Chili typically includes beans, which are very high in fiber. Fiber helps to regulate digestion and maintain a healthy weight by making you feel full for longer.
Add more Vegetables: Chili often contains ingredients such as onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all of which are nutritious sources of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.
Low in Fat and Calories: Depending on the recipe, chili can be a low-fat and low-calorie meal. Opting for lean protein sources and reducing the amount of oil used in cooking can help to keep the dish healthy.
Heart-Healthy: Chili spices, such as chili powder and cumin, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
However, it important to keep in mind that the healthiness of chili can vary depending on the ingredients used and the cooking methods. Adding high-fat ingredients like cheese and sour cream can quickly increase the calorie and fat content of the dish.
Top Your Chili with Plenty of Your Favorite Toppings:
Grated Cheese
Diced Purple Onions
Cilantro
Corn Chips
What is the difference between Light and Dark Red Chili Beans
- Light and dark red chili beans refer to two different types of canned kidney beans that are commonly used in chili recipes. The main difference between the two is their color and texture.
- Light red chili beans: As the name suggests, these beans are lighter in color and have a softer texture. They are often used in mild chili recipes or as a base for chili con carne.
- Dark red chili beans: These beans are darker in color and have a firmer texture. They are commonly used in spicier chili recipes and are often preferred for their bold flavor.
- It’s important to note that both types of chili beans are essentially the same type of kidney bean. The color and texture differences can vary depending on the brand and the manufacturing process. Ultimately, the choice between light and dark red chili beans comes down to personal preference and the desired flavor and texture of the final dish.
Is Ground Beef or Ground Turkey Better to Make Chili
The choice between ground beef and ground turkey for making chili depends on personal preference and dietary needs. Both options can be delicious in chili, but there are some differences to consider:
Ground beef: Ground beef is a staple in many chili recipes and is known for its rich, bold flavor. It is often higher in fat than other protein options, but this can also contribute to the dish’s richness and depth of flavor.
Ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option than ground beef and is often lower in fat and calories. It can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef in chili recipes. However, some people may find that it has a milder flavor compared to beef.
Ultimately, the choice between ground beef and ground turkey for chili comes down to personal preference and dietary needs. Both options can be delicious, and the right choice depends on your flavor preferences and health goals.
Easy to make chili is the perfect dinner anytime of the week.
- 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 2 15 oz. cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 29 oz. tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, green onions, cilantro
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Salt and pepper meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add the chili powder, paprika, and cumin and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, both cans of beans, and beef broth.
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Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until the flavors have melded and the chili has thickened slightly.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve with your desired toppings. Enjoy!
Why we Love Chili
We love delicious chili for a variety of reasons:
Full of Flavor: Chili is a flavorful dish that combines a variety of spices, herbs, and ingredients, creating a rich and complex taste experience.
Comfort Food: Chili is often associated with comfort food, providing a warm and filling meal that can be enjoyed in cold weather.
Versatility: Chili can be made in a variety of styles and can be adapted to different dietary needs, making it a versatile option for a wide range of people. Your family will appreciate that they can customize their chili to their liking, and that everyone can enjoy a meal that they love.
Chili is Quick and Convenient: Chili is an easy dish to make, and many recipes can be made in large batches and stored for later use, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Nostalgia: For many people, chili is tied to memories of childhood, family gatherings, and special occasions, making it a dish that is full of nostalgia and sentimental value. Halloween is a great time to make a big pot of quick chili and then sit back and enjoy the evening.
It’s Healthy: Depending on the recipe, chili can be a nutritious and healthy meal, high in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a popular option for those looking for a healthy meal option.
Ultimately, chili is a beloved dish for many people because it combines great taste, comfort, and versatility, making it a favorite for many families and individuals.
What to Serve with Chili:
Here are some tasty side dishes and ingredients that are commonly served with chili:
- Rice: Serve a simple side of white or brown rice to soak up the spicy chili broth.
- Cornbread: A warm and buttery slice of cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, providing a sweet and crunchy contrast to the savory chili.
- Tossed Salad: A fresh green salad provides a light and crisp counterbalance to the hearty chili.
- Chips and Salsa – Chips and salsa are a classic side dish that can be served with chili, providing a crunchy and spicy snack to accompany the main course.
- Grilled cheese – A grilled cheese sandwich provides a creamy and cheesy contrast to the spicy chili, making it a comforting and satisfying option.
- Shredded cheese – Yum, shredded cheddar cheese is just so delicious on a hot bowl of chili.
- Avocado Slices – Sliced avocado provides a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy chili, and can be used as a topping or a side dish.
- Sour cream – A dollop of sour cream can be added to chili to cool the heat and add creaminess, or it can be served on the side for dipping.
- Ultimately, what you serve with chili will depend on your personal taste and the occasion. Mix and match these options to find the perfect side dishes for your chili, or try something new and different to switch things up.
You will love some of Our Other Family Favorite Recipes:
Mexican Beef Chili
Heart Healthy Chili Recipe
Sweet Chili Chicken Slow Cooked
