I love a good slow-cooked chili, but sometimes you just want an easy chili recipe that is full of flavor and can be on the table in just a half hour!
I've been somewhat obsessed with chili and soups lately. During the blizzard a few weeks ago we made a huge batch of white bean chicken chili and I still have a few portions of my unstuffed cabbage roll soup in my freezer.
But sometimes I am in the mood for chili and don't feel like taking hours for it to cook. That's where this easy chili recipe comes in, because I can get it on the table in about 30 minutes. This is a quick and easy version of chili that I've been making for years and I usually have everything that I need to make it!
If you are in the mood for something different than chili, be sure to check out my crockpot chicken tortilla soup!
Chili is loaded with protein, fiber, and nutrients which makes it an extremely healthy meal (and very budget-friendly)! We use lean ground beef (or sometimes turkey) to keep the fat and grease content down.
Using store-bought salsa eliminates the need to chop onions, pepper, and garlic. It also gives the chili great flavor. Just be sure to use a basic salsa without any unique flavorings. Restaurant-style salsas (the fresh kind that you can buy in the produce or deli department) are usually pretty basic and have a fresh, tomatoey flavor. In the summer (when my tomato garden and my herb garden are going strong), I usually have a batch of copycat Chipotle salsa recipe in my fridge - we just use that!
If you like a thicker chili, you can mash up some of the beans in the last five minutes of cooking. They're a great thickener! Alternatively, if you like a thinner chili, you can add additional broth.
If you prefer, you can use beer instead of beef broth (or a mixture of both). That said, we like the savoriness that the beef broth gives this chili, especially since it has a quick cooking time.
You can serve this with cornbread, cooked macaroni noodles, or crackers. The leftovers are great for taco salads or over baked potatoes.
Easy Chili Recipe | Just 30 Minutes To The Table!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup restaurant-style salsa
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 15- ounce can kidney beans
- 1 15- ounce black beans
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh cilantro sliced green onions, hot sauce, and/or shredded cheddar cheese.
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet and sauté the ground beef until cooked through.
- While the beef is browning, drain and rinse the beans.
- Add the salsa and the chili powder to the beef, and stir to combine.
- Add the beans and the broth, and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 15 to 20 minutes to blend the flavors and allow the chili to slightly thicken.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- If you like a spicier chili, you can add some cayenne pepper in with the chili powder or serve hot sauce on the side.
- If desired, serve with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and/or shredded cheddar cheese!
Mindi has been blogging since 2008 sharing her best frugal living tips, recipes and more. When she isn't writing, she spends time as an unpaid cook, maid and chauffeur to her 3 children!
Yum! I am thinking we might have to have this for dinner this week.
I am totally a fan of quick meals that are easy to prepare. I've never heard of anyone using salsa to make their chili before.
This sounds like a meal that I could make for myself. I would just have to 1/2 the recipe! (or maybe 1/4). I do love chili but these days it has to be a lot milder then in days gone by. I know I will be trying this one out!
That is a good and easy recipe. I like how quick you can make it.
I love chili, especially in the fall and winter. I also love quick and easy chili recipes! Yum!
My husband is obsessed with chili!! This sounds like a great quick recipe to make up for dinner, plus it's i
Looks so delish! I've been craving chili like crazy!
Wow It really looks amazing, This is the first time that I heard this recipe, I would love to try these on weekends
Omg I just love chili!!!! Now I have a craving. Might just have to cook some of yours up!
Store bought salsa why didn't I think of that! I'm making chili for my son-in-law this weekend and this recipe is right on time thank you. We would love for you to share this at Celebrate Your Story link party. Here's the link:
http://www.thesweetsensations.com/celebrate-your-story-link-party-is-moving/. Have a restful evening and I hope that you can join us!