McCormick Chili (Quick and Easy Recipe)
If you need a hearty meal that’s both fast and flavorful, McCormick Chili ranks high on every busy cook’s list. With just a few pantry staples and the signature McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix, you can have steaming bowls of robust chili on the table in under 30 minutes. This recipe combines simplicity with big, satisfying flavors—ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or your next game day gathering.
What Makes McCormick Chili Stand Out
Chili is all about balance: meaty richness, savory beans, tangy tomatoes, and a gentle kick from spices. The McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix brings everything together with a precise blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and other warming spices. It saves you time without sacrificing taste, and offers a consistent, crowd-pleasing chili every time.
Classic Ingredients for Quick Chili
Great chili doesn’t require a long list of ingredients. This recipe keeps it streamlined and practical, focusing on:
- Ground Beef: Choose 85% lean for the ideal mix of flavor and texture. Too much fat and your chili is greasy; too lean and it can feel dry.
- Onion: A yellow or white onion forms the savory base and delivers sweetness as it cooks.
- McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix: The star ingredient, providing all the signature chili flavors in a single packet.
- Canned Kidney Beans: These bring structure, protein, and earthy flavor to the bowl. No pre-soaking, no fuss.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: They add bright acidity and help create a thick, stew-like texture.
- Tomato Sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
You’ll notice there are no complicated steps or specialty ingredients. Here’s everything you need for a batch that serves four to six people:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| McCormick Chili Seasoning | 1 packet (1.25 oz) |
| Canned kidney beans (drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (8 oz) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
No culinary degree is required. Just follow these straightforward directions:
1. Brown the Beef and Onion
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat while it cooks.
Keep stirring, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onions turn translucent. If there’s any excess fat, spoon it off carefully and discard.
2. Add the Seasoning
Sprinkle the entire packet of McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix evenly over the meat and onions. Stir well for 30 seconds so the spices coat everything and start to release their aroma.
3. Build the Chili Base
Add the drained kidney beans, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), and tomato sauce to the pot. Give everything a thorough stir, making sure you scrape the bottom to mix the seasoning fully into the liquid.
4. Simmer
Turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This short simmer thickens the chili and marries the flavors. If you have extra time, an extra 10 minutes doesn’t hurt—just keep it on low heat.
5. Taste and Serve
Taste the chili before serving. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer it a bit sweeter and less acidic, stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar.
Ladle the hot chili into bowls and serve right away.
Best Toppings for McCormick Chili
Toppings can elevate your chili from everyday to exceptional. Here are classic and creative options to finish your bowl:
- Sour cream: A dollop cuts through the heat and adds creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkle while the chili’s hot to let it melt.
- Jalapeno slices: Fresh or pickled, they add crunch and a spicy zing.
- Green onions: Sliced thin, for color and mild bite.
- Avocado: Creamy chunks or slices balance the spices.
- Cilantro: A sprinkle for herbal freshness.
- Tortilla chips or strips: Adds a salty, crunchy contrast.
Many like a squeeze of lime for a citrusy kick. Get creative—cornbread on the side also makes for a classic combo.
Tips for Perfect Chili, Every Time
- Choose the right beef. A moderate fat content ensures moist, flavorful results. For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken works, but consider adding an extra splash of olive oil for richness.
- Don’t rush the simmer. Even a short simmer brings out deeper flavors. If you have more time, you can let it gently bubble for up to 30 minutes.
- Adjust the texture. Prefer a thicker chili? Simmer uncovered for the last few minutes to reduce the liquid. For a thinner chili, add half a cup of water or beef broth.
- Swap the beans. If kidney beans aren’t your favorite, pinto or black beans are great alternatives.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Chili is a natural for meal prep. It stores easily and the flavors continue to develop after a night in the fridge.
- To refrigerate: Allow the chili to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- To freeze: Cool to room temperature first. Divide into single portions and transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the bags flat for faster freezing and thawing. Chili can be frozen for up to 1 month.
To reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Chili has range—serve it as a main dish, use it as a topping for baked potatoes, or spoon it over hot dogs for classic chili dogs. It’s a favorite at potlucks and pairs well with cornbread muffins or crusty bread.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Here’s a breakdown for a single bowl (without toppings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 8g |
These values will vary a bit based on the beef you use and your choice of toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work in place of beef. The texture changes a bit, but the seasoning mix carries the flavor.
What about slow cookers?
This recipe is designed for speed, but you can sauté the meat and onions first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 3-4 hours.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the meat and add another can of beans or a can of lentils for a hearty vegetarian chili.
Final Thoughts
Fast, filling, and full of flavor, McCormick Chili offers a warm meal with little effort. It’s perfect for any busy night, yet special enough for a gathering. The real beauty comes from its flexibility—tailor the toppings, adjust the heat, and enjoy leftovers for days. Simple ingredients, one pot, and a bowlful of comfort, ready when you are.
McCormick Chili (Quick and Easy Recipe)
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Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 package McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- When the beef is browned, mix in the chili seasoning mix, beans, canned tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the bottom from burning.
- Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped leeks, if desired. Enjoy!