McCormick Chili (Quick and Easy Recipe) (2024)

Last Updated on: November 27, 2023

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If you think a perfect bowl of chili requires hours to make, think again.

This scrumptious and filling McCormick chili recipe is ready for lunch or dinner in just 25 minutes!

McCormick Chili (Quick and Easy Recipe) (1)

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That has to be a world record, am I right?

Seriously though, if you’re looking for a quick and easy chili recipe, you’ve just found it.

This recipe is ideal for all you busy moms and dads, out there.

Also, don’t worry – just because it’s done in under 30 minutes doesn’t mean it’s not flavorful.

This chili has exactly the same amazing flavors and textures that you’d get from a slow-cooked chili. I’m not exaggerating.

McCormick Chili

Gone are the days when you have to cook chili for hours on end. With this simplified recipe, all you’ll need are 6 common pantry ingredients and 25 minutes.

As easy as it may be, this chili is bursting with flavors and aroma from beef, beans, and spices.

Thanks to canned beans, tomatoes, and the McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix, making chili has never been easier!

Ingredients

  • Ground Beef – I like to use good-quality 85% lean beef. Any fattier and you’ll get a greasy chili, but any leaner and it’ll be too dry.
  • Onion – for aroma and flavor.
  • McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix – with chili pepper, cumin, salt, garlic, and other spices, this seasoning mix will give your chili the perfect amount of heat and flavor.
  • Canned Kidney Beans – using canned beans means you don’t have to wait hours for them to cook. It makes cooking chili a lot easier and so much faster.
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce – together, they create a thick stew with a bright, tomato flavor.
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Best Chili Toppings

This chili is wonderfully thick, tasty, and hearty even by itself. It’s delicious on its own, but topping makes it a hundred times better.

There are lots of toppings that go well with chili, but here are some of my favorites.

  • Sour Cream – for extra richness. I also love the mild tartness it adds to the chili. It creates a lovely balance of flavors. Cold sour cream and hot chili also create another wonderful contrast.
  • Green onions – for a pop of color and a nice earthy flavor.
  • Jalapenos – for an extra dose of heat.
  • Shredded cheese – use something melty such as cheddar, so it melts upon contact with hot chili.
  • Avocado slices – the fruit’s creaminess and nuttiness complement the chili’s richness well.
  • Tortilla strips or Frito chips – for a nice crunch.

Can You Freeze Chili?

Absolutely. This is another thing I love about chili – it freezes well. You can whip up a large pot of chili, store the leftovers in the freezer, and enjoy a bowl whenever!

Here’s a ‘how to freeze chili‘ tip: divide the chili into single-serve portions before freezing. This way, you can easily reheat the amount you can eat, rather than the whole thing.

Be sure the chili has cooled completely to room temperature before freezing. Transfer it into small ziplock bags, let all the air out, and seal. Lay the bags flat and freeze for up to a month.

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To reheat, thaw the chili in the fridge overnight and heat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

If you don’t intend on storing the chili for long, just place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 to 4 days.

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More Tips for the Best Chili

  • Don’t cook chili on high heat, hoping it’ll get done quicker. It’ll scorch at the bottom and create a burnt taste. Low and slow is the way to go!
  • Add the beans right at the end. Canned beans are already cooked, anyway.
  • Control the spice. If you’re cooking for kids, you might want to know how to make chili less spicy. And the easiest way is to skip the McCormick chili seasoning and add your own blend. That way, you control what goes in.
  • Swap the protein or leave it out! Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork, instead of beef. Or use tofu crumbles!
  • Add a splash of beer or a pinch of cocoa powder. Don’t worry, your chili won’t taste of alcohol or chocolate. All these ingredients do is enhance its flavor.
  • Add red and green bell peppers. They’ll add color and flavor.
  • Remove the lid while cooking to make the chili thick. Let it simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes.

Can You Make This Chili In a Crockpot?

Absolutely. Just saute the onions and brown the ground beef first. Then, place the mixture in the crockpot and mix in the rest of the ingredients.

Slow cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8.

More Chili Recipes You’ll Love

Texas Roadhouse Chili
Wendy’s Chili
The Best Chili
White Chicken Chili

McCormick Chili (Quick and Easy Recipe) (4)

McCormick Chili (Quick and Easy Recipe)

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

318

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

  • 1 cup chopped onion

  • 1 package McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix

  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained

  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

Instructions

  • Place ground beef and onion in a large skillet and saute over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, or until no longer pink. Drain fat.
  • Mix in the chili seasoning mix, canned tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the bottom from scorching.
  • Spoon over bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped leeks, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

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McCormick Chili (Quick and Easy Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Cocoa Powder

Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you're making a batch of chili but it pairs perfectly with peppers. Adding just a teaspoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder like we do in our Instant Pot Chili (pictured above) will make your go-to recipe rich and flavorful.

How to make packet chili better? ›

How to Give Chili a Flavor Boost
  1. Add something acidic. ...
  2. Try to identify what about your chili is boring. ...
  3. Add tomato paste. ...
  4. Drop in some chocolate. ...
  5. Embrace pickling liquid. ...
  6. Stir in some molasses.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

Does sugar make chili taste better? ›

Now for the piece de resistance: 1-2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar. The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy.

What ingredient makes chili better? ›

Here Are Our Six Secret Ingredients for the Best Chili
  1. Canned Puréed Pumpkin. You already use this to make pumpkin-infused quick breads and waffles, but did you know you can add it to chili too? ...
  2. Cocoa Powder. ...
  3. Coffee. ...
  4. Maple Syrup. ...
  5. Pepperoncinis (Plus Liquid) ...
  6. Root Beer.
Sep 2, 2022

How to make chili more flavorful? ›

Cinnamon, strong coffee, and dark chocolate all boost them meaty flavor in a good chili. Pick any of the following: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 whole cinnamon stick, a shot of espresso, a small cup of strong coffee, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, or a few squares of good-quality dark chocolate.

What to add to store-bought chili? ›

"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said. "The fresh burst of flavor will brighten and elevate the chili while also adding great texture and crunch."

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato paste may come in a small can (or tube), but it packs a powerful punch and is an essential flavor building block for dishes like chili and beef stew.

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

Much like adding chili powder and other common chili spices, cinnamon is a super versatile spice that adds warmth without the heat to Firecracker chili.

What does paprika do for chili? ›

Think of paprika as the gentler, sweeter cousin of hot chili peppers. It enlivens your favorite dishes with fruity notes and a toasty red color without ever taking over the show.

What makes the best chili meat? ›

You can really use any meat for chili, but here are the cuts that are most popular for classic chili:
  • Ground beef (80/20) ...
  • Ground sirloin (90/10) ...
  • Brisket. ...
  • Short ribs. ...
  • Tri-tip sirloin. ...
  • Work with your butcher to get multiple textures. ...
  • Use multiple animals to add depth. ...
  • Go for grass-fed and grass-finished beef.
May 11, 2021

Why add vinegar to chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

How does Martha Stewart make chili? ›

Add chili powder, cocoa, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, broth, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until thickened slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve with sour cream and chives.

How do you make chili taste more meaty? ›

In a pot of chili, just a few strips of bacon add a smoky, meaty depth. And it's not just the bacon itself that adds flavor, it's the bacon fat, too. Before you start your recipe, cook 3 to 4 strips of thick-cut bacon until they're as crispy as you like.

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