Chili, a dish cherished across many cultures, brings warmth and comfort, especially on chilly days. With its robust flavors and hearty ingredients, Quick and Flavorful Chili is an easy recipe to whip up for a weeknight meal or a gathering. This dish is designed to satisfy your taste buds and fill your belly, making it a reliable go-to in your kitchen repertoire.
Why We Love This Quick and Flavorful Chili Recipe
This recipe has all the essentials that bring chili lovers running to the table. The combination of lean ground beef, seasoned beans, and hearty tomatoes creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s not only rich in taste, but this chili is also quick to prepare, letting you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the meal with friends and family. Plus, the use of McCormick Chili Seasoning makes it simple, ensuring you achieve consistent flavor without the fuss of mixing individual spices. You’ll find this dish perfect for any occasion, whether you need a cozy dinner or an easy crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients about Quick and Flavorful Chili
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 packets McCormick Chili Seasoning
- 1 can kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
How to Make Quick and Flavorful Chili Directions
Making your Quick and Flavorful Chili is straightforward and doesn’t require any culinary expertise. Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add your pound of lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Brown the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring it is cooked thoroughly. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep your chili on the lighter side.
Next, sprinkle the two packets of McCormick Chili Seasoning over the beef. Stir the seasoning into the meat until it’s evenly coated. This step infuses the beef with rich flavors that define chili.
Now it’s time to add the other ingredients. Pour in the drained kidney or black beans; both work well here, but black beans add a slightly different flavor profile. Add the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices, and then pour in a cup of water. This combination creates a hearty mixture that will simmer beautifully.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let your chili simmer. For about 20 minutes, this allows the flavors to meld. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of your pot.
As your chili simmers, take the opportunity to taste it and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper according to your preference—it’s your chili, after all, so make it just right for your palate!
Finally, once the chili has simmered and the aromas are filling your kitchen, it’s time to serve. Grab some bowls, and ladle the chili in generously.
How to Serve Quick and Flavorful Chili
Serving your Quick and Flavorful Chili is just as easy as making it! Once you’ve ladled the chili into bowls, consider a variety of toppings to add more flavor and presentation. Some popular options include shredded cheese, which melts beautifully over hot chili, and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy texture that balances the spice. Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch that enhances each bite.
You can also serve the chili with corn chips or crusty bread on the side. Both options allow for scooping up that delicious chili, making every bite enjoyable. This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or a fun gathering with friends.
Expert Tips: Quick and Flavorful Chili
Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your chili. First, always choose lean ground beef to maintain a healthy balance while still getting that rich meaty flavor. Additionally, don’t skip the browning step; it adds depth to the flavor.
Consider sautéing onions and garlic before adding the beef for an aromatic twist that enhances the overall taste. If you love heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to bring a bit of spice to the dish.
For those who want to add a twist, try incorporating different beans or even corn for sweetness. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer a bit longer to cook off some of the liquid. Remember, chili is versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
How to Store Quick and Flavorful Chili
Storing your Quick and Flavorful Chili is a breeze. Once the leftover chili has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again.
If you want your chili to last even longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chili in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Frozen chili can last for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go.
Variation of Quick and Flavorful Chili
Chili is a versatile dish that can be easily tailored to suit your tastes or dietary needs. If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef. These alternatives are lean and still fits well within the chili flavor profile.
If you’re vegetarian or simply want a meat-free option, skip the beef altogether and pile on the beans, lentils, or even quinoa for a hearty base. Adding in a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can provide extra nutrients and flavor.
For a southwestern flair, toss in some corn and cilantro for freshness. You could also switch up the toppings to include avocado or tortilla strips for an added crunch.
FAQ
What makes this Quick and Flavorful Chili so easy to prepare?
This chili is easy to prepare because it relies on a few simple ingredients and uses pre-made seasoning packets. The straightforward steps mean you can get it on the table quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Can I customize the level of spiciness in my chili?
Absolutely! You can easily customize the spiciness of your chili by adding ingredients like chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce while it cooks. Adjust the amount to suit your palate, ensuring it’s just right for you and your guests.
How long can I store leftovers of Quick and Flavorful Chili?
Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, transfer it to freezer-safe containers where it can last for about 3 months.
What toppings do you recommend for this chili?
Popular toppings for Quick and Flavorful Chili include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and even sliced avocado. You can choose any combination of these toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Can I use other types of beans in this chili?
Yes! While kidney beans and black beans are traditional, you can experiment with other types like pinto beans or chickpeas. Feel free to use your favorites or what you have on hand!
Quick and Flavorful Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef Use lean for a healthier option.
- 2 packets McCormick Chili Seasoning For consistent flavor.
- 1 can kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed Both types can be used.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices) Adds richness to the chili.
- 1 cup water To adjust the texture.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Optional Toppings
- as desired shredded cheese Melts beautifully over chili.
- as desired sour cream Adds a creamy texture.
- as desired green onions For a fresh crunch.
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and brown for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Sprinkle the McCormick Chili Seasoning over the beef and stir until evenly coated.
- Add the drained kidney or black beans and the diced tomatoes with their juices.
- Pour in the water and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve.
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