Quickest Chili for Two Recipe
Introduction
This Quickest Chili for Two is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a comforting bowl of chili ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- ½ lb. ground meat (chicken or beef)
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 3 tsp. chili powder, divided
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, with the juices
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- A pinch or two cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground meat, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt. Stir well, then cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat, until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of chili powder, salsa, diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, and cayenne pepper if using. Increase the heat to medium-high and cover the saucepan.
- Step 3: Cook the chili, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and bubbling, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Step 4: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add a splash of lime juice or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro before serving for extra brightness.
- For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Top your chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned meat instead of fresh ground meat?
Using canned meat is not recommended as it won’t provide the same texture or flavor. Fresh ground meat or plant-based alternatives work best for this recipe.
Can I make this chili spicier?
Yes! Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for extra heat.
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Quickest Chili for Two Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Quickest Chili for Two is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground meat, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it’s a hearty and flavorful chili that comes together in under 20 minutes on the stovetop. With customizable spice levels and minimal ingredients, it’s an ideal recipe for a cozy dinner for two.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- ½ lb. ground meat (chicken or beef)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 3 tsp. chili powder, divided
- ¼ tsp. salt
- A pinch or two cayenne pepper (optional)
Liquids and Canned Ingredients
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, with the juices
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Brown Meat: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground meat along with garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt. Stir and cook, breaking the meat apart occasionally, until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of chili powder, salsa, diced tomatoes (including juices), kidney beans, and cayenne pepper if using. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cover the saucepan to allow flavors to meld.
- Simmer and Heat Through: Cook the chili, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it’s bubbly and heated through, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and add additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired. Serve hot and enjoy your quick and flavorful chili perfect for two.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based ground meat for a different protein option.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- This recipe pairs well with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: quick chili recipe, chili for two, easy stovetop chili, ground meat chili, simple chili, weeknight dinner
