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Quickest Chili for Two Recipe


  • Author: Cleo
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Simmer and Heat Through: Cook the chili, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it’s bubbly and heated through, about 4 to 6 minutes.
  4. 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