Owl Creek Farm » Recipes » Soups & Stews » Quick & Easy Chili
A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese sits elegantly on a decorative plate, a rustic touch inspired by Owl Creek Farm.

Quick & Easy Chili

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Quick & Easy Chili that’s perfect for weeknights! Serve in a bowl or transform it into mouth-watering Chili Dogs—comfort food made simple.
A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese sits elegantly on a decorative plate, a rustic touch inspired by Owl Creek Farm.

Quick & Easy Chili by Owl Creek Farm made in DALL-EWhen it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a warm, satisfying bowl of chili. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or cooking for a crowd, this Quick & Easy Chili recipe has you covered. It’s packed with savory ground beef, hearty kidney beans, and bold spices that come together effortlessly to create a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. The secret ingredient? Salsa. It’s the ultimate flavor booster, bringing a perfect mix of tang, spice, and freshness—no long simmering required.

Using salsa as a base is a total game-changer. With tomatoes, onions, peppers, and seasonings all in one jar, it simplifies the cooking process without sacrificing flavor. Whether you like your chili mild, medium, or fiery hot, the salsa you choose sets the tone, so pick one you love. Feel free to experiment until you land on your ideal combo—half the fun is in the tasting.

This chili isn’t just a star on its own. It also makes the ultimate topping for Chili Dogs with Cheese. Imagine juicy hot dogs nestled in homemade buns, smothered in rich, flavorful chili, and finished with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or indulging in a little nostalgia. Plus, the chili’s thick consistency means it stays in place, making every bite as delicious as the first.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a hearty main dish or using it for chili dogs, this Quick & Easy Chili recipe is destined to become a go-to in your kitchen. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, proving that great food doesn’t have to take all day. So grab a jar of your favorite salsa, fire up the stove, and get ready to make something unforgettable!

 

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese sits elegantly on a decorative plate, a rustic touch inspired by Owl Creek Farm.

Quick & Easy Chili

Amy @ owlcreek.ca
Quick & Easy Chili that’s perfect for weeknights! Serve in a bowl or transform it into mouth-watering Chili Dogs—comfort food made simple.
4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish, Soup
Cuisine American, Texmex
Servings 6
Calories 345 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef lean
  • ½ onion diced
  • 2 garlic clove minced
  • 2 cans tomato sauce 15oz
  • cups jar salsa
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 can dark red kidney beans 15 oz, drained
  • Shredded cheddar cheese optional
  • Sour Cream optional

Instructions
 

  • Over medium heat, brown and crumble 2 lbs ground beef in a dutch oven or large pot. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the ½ onion (diced) and cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion is tender. Add 2 garlic clove (minced) and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  • Add 2 cans tomato sauce, 1½ cups jar salsa, 1 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp dried basil, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, and 1 can dark red kidney beans (drained). Mix well.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and serve with Shredded cheddar cheese and Sour Cream, if desired

Notes

You can easily adjust the heat in this recipe by increasing or decreasing the chili powder, and using a more mild, or spicier, salsa.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 40gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 2013mgPotassium: 1594mgFiber: 8gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 1700IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 8mg
Keyword beans, chili, chili dog, hot, mild, salsa, soup, texmex

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Amy
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