McCormick Chili (Quick and Easy Recipe)

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Craving a hearty, flavorful bowl of chili without spending hours in the kitchen? This McCormick chili recipe delivers rich taste, robust texture, and warmth in just 25 minutes. No culinary expertise required. With straightforward ingredients and time-saving techniques, this recipe proves you don’t need slow-cooking or endless prep for a deeply satisfying meal.

Why Choose Quick Chili?

Classic chili recipes are known for bold spices, deep aromas, and layers of savory flavor. The secret to making it fast isn’t compromise—it’s smart shortcuts. Pre-blended seasoning, canned tomatoes, and beans cut down the work and time, while still delivering big flavor. Busy families, students, or anyone with a packed weeknight schedule can whip this up with ease. Leftovers keep well, and the chili’s taste only intensifies after resting, making it even better for the next day.

Ingredients

A short ingredient list keeps this dish both approachable and inexpensive. Here’s everything you need:

• Ground Beef (1 pound, preferably 85% lean)
  This provides the heartiness and meaty depth that give chili its signature comfort. You could also use ground turkey or plant-based alternatives.

• Yellow Onion (1 medium, diced)
  Onions add aromatic sweetness and body.

• McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix (1 packet/1.25 oz)
  This classic blend combines chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and other spices—measured for consistency and flavor.

• Canned Kidney Beans (1 can, 15 oz; drained and rinsed)
  Kidney beans bring texture and plant protein. Black beans or pinto beans work if you prefer another variation.

• Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz; undrained)
  They provide acidity and a chunkier bite.

• Tomato Sauce (1 can, 8 oz)
  This makes the stew base rich and cohesive.

• Optional Extras:

• Chopped garlic (for more pungency)
• Chopped bell peppers (for color and mild sweetness)
• Corn kernels (to add a sweet pop)

Equipment

You’ll need only essentials.
– One large pot or Dutch oven
– Stirring spoon
– Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef and Onion

Heat the pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Stir occasionally, breaking up the meat. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and translucent. This usually takes 5–7 minutes.

Tip:
If your beef is on the fattier side, drain excess fat before moving on. You want your chili rich, not greasy.

2. Season and Build the Base

Sprinkle in the McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix. Stir until every spoonful of beef and onion is coated. Let the spices bloom for 1–2 minutes—this wakes up the flavor.

Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and kidney beans. Stir well. The mixture should look thick and colorful.

3. Simmer

Bring contents to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 10–15 minutes. This cooks down the tomatoes, melds the spices, and thickens the chili.

Adjust Consistency:
If you like thinner chili, add up to half a cup of water. For thicker chili, simmer a bit longer.

4. Taste and Serve

Taste for seasoning. If you prefer more salt or heat, stir in a pinch more salt or a dash of cayenne. Ladle into bowls.

Best Chili Toppings

The right finish elevates a good chili to crave-worthy status. Here are some topping ideas to personalize every bowl:

Try a combination—like cheddar, avocado, and green onions—for an irresistible finish.

Variations and Swaps

Taste preferences differ, and chili is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:

• Swap Ground Beef: Try ground chicken, ground turkey, or a plant-based substitute.
• Change Up Beans: Use pinto, navy, or black beans for a different texture.
• Add Vegetables: Corn, bell peppers, or even zucchini work well.
• Dial Up the Heat: Add chipotle powder, diced fresh chili, or extra cayenne.

If you want smoky depth, stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika. For tang, a squeeze of lime at serving wakes up the chili.

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy this chili in several ways:

• Ladled into bowls as a main meal
• Over a bed of steamed rice
• Spooned on top of baked potatoes
• As a topping for hot dogs or nachos

Leftover chili makes great filling for burritos. It’s also delicious spooned over cornbread or served with a crusty roll on the side.

Storing and Reheating

Chili keeps well—a perfect make-ahead or meal-prep option.

Refrigerator Storage

Let the chili cool. Transfer into an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to four days. The flavor develops more depth if allowed to rest overnight.

Freezer Instructions

For longer-term storage, chili freezes beautifully:

• Divide leftover chili into single-serve portions
• Place in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags
• Remove as much air as possible
• Label with the date

Frozen chili lasts up to two months. Thaw portions in the fridge overnight, or use the microwave’s defrost function. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave until steaming hot.

Nutrition and Dietary Notes

A typical bowl (with beef and beans) offers protein, fiber, and iron. Use 93% lean beef or ground turkey for a lower-fat version. For vegetarians, plant-based “meat” and an assortment of beans give body and taste with no animal products.

Allergies or sensitivities?
Double-check the seasoning packet for wheat, soy, or milk ingredients if these are a concern.

Troubleshooting and Pro Tips

• Chili Too Thin?
  Simmer without a lid to evaporate liquid. Mash a few beans in the pot for thickness.

• Too Spicy?
  Add more tomato sauce or a spoonful of sour cream to tame heat.

• Not Spicy Enough?
  Stir in hot sauce, cayenne, or diced chili.

• Missing Depth?
  A teaspoon of cocoa powder can give a subtle, savory edge.

Make It a Family Activity

Kids can help with rinsing beans, measuring out toppings, or choosing what goes on their bowl. This recipe is quick enough to cook together after a long day, but flexible enough for everyone to create their perfect version.

A steamy bowl of McCormick chili is the answer to busy evenings and chilly nights. With pantry basics, this quick chili delivers comfort, hearty texture, and balanced spice. It’s versatile, satisfying, and simple to make no matter your cooking skill. Top each bowl with favorite garnishes, share with friends or family, or freeze a batch for later—this recipe is as easy to love as it is to make.