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Nothing beats a hearty bowl of easy skillet beef chili for a quick, cozy dinner. Packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices, it’s ready in just 30 minutes and topped with crispy McCain Smiles fries for a fun, kid-approved twist on chili night.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- One-pan recipe = minimal cleanup. A busy parent’s dream! Like all my Easy One Pan Dinner Recipes, this chili keeps things simple and flavorful.
- Classic comfort. I make turkey veggie chili and white chicken chili all fall and winter, but sometimes you just need a classic beef chili. This one hits that cozy craving every time.
- Quick and family-friendly. Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a fun game day recipe!
- Fun twist with Smiles fries. Kids go crazy for it! Adding playful touches always makes dinner more exciting.
- Great for leftovers. Even better the next day, and perfect to add to your list of Make Ahead Dinners for The Back to School Hustle.
The Ingredients
- Onion & garlic: Sauteed in olive oil. This infuses the chili with tons of flavor.
- Ground beef: Any ground beef works great in this recipe. Use whichever percentage fat you prefer.
- Spices: chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and kosher salt bring in that classic chili flavor you love.
- Beans: I use canned kidney beans, but black beans or pinto beans work well too.
- Chopped tomatoes: Feel free to use fire roasted canned tomatoes for deeper flavor.
- Lime juice: Adds a bit of brightness to the chili. I like to serve with lime wedges on the side too.
- McCain Smiles: The crispy, golden topper that makes this chili unique.
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, diced onion, or tomato. Anything you love!
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
- Use pinto beans or chickpeas instead of kidney/black beans.
- Toss in extra veggies like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Add more heat with jalapeños, cayenne, or extra chili powder.
- Skip the Smiles and top with tater tots, waffle fries or tortilla chips instead.
How to Make Easy Skillet Beef Chili
Step 1: Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and saute for 4-5 minutes or until they begin to soften.
Step 2: Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute.
Step 3: Add the ground beef, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika and cumin and then saute for 5 minutes or until the beef is cooked through.
Step 4: Add the beans, tomatoes, and lime juice and then simmer for an additional 3 minutes to reduce slightly and heat through.
Step 5: While the chili is cooking, place the Smiles in an air fryer basket or baking sheet in the oven and cook according to package directions.
Step 6: Place the Smiles on top of chili and serve with toppings on the side.
Tips and Tricks
- Air fry for the crispiest Smiles: The air fryer keeps them golden and crunchy so they don’t get soggy. No air fryer? The oven works too.
- Adjust the thickness: Simmer uncovered for a heartier chili, or add a splash of broth if you like it looser.
- Make extra: Chili tastes even better the next day, so double the batch and freeze some for later. You may have to make a double batch in a deeper pot which would work totally fine.
- Don’t skip the lime: That squeeze of citrus brightens all the rich, smoky flavors.
- Set up a chili bar: Put out toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl! It makes dinner more fun and interactive for kids.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Storage: Allow chili to cool and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove until heated through. Add fresh Smiles on top before serving.
Freezing: Store cooled chili in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Skip the Smiles until serving day so they stay crispy.
FAQs
Yes! A cast iron skillet holds heat well and adds flavor, but any large, heavy-bottomed pot will work for this recipe.
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for a thicker texture.
Kidney and black beans are classic, but pinto beans, cannellini, or even chickpeas all work well.
More Cozy Soups and Stews
This easy skillet beef chili is hearty, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and rate the recipe to let me know how it turned out.
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Skillet Beef Chili
Equipment
- cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (add another teaspoon if you want more heat!)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 15 ounce can kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounce can chopped tomatoes (use fire roasted for deeper flavor)
- 1 lime
- 1/2 pound McCain Smiles
- Toppings: sour cream, grated mozzarella, cheddar and/or Mexican blend cheese, diced tomatoes, diced onion
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and saute for 4-5 minutes or until they begin to soften.
- Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika and cumin and then saute for 5 minutes or until the beef is cooked through.
- Add the beans, tomatoes, and lime juice and then simmer for an additional 3 minutes to reduce slightly and heat through.
- While the chili is cooking, place the Smiles in an air fryer basket or baking sheet in the oven and cook according to package directions.
- Place the Smiles on top of chili and serve with toppings on the side.
Notes
- Adjust the thickness: Simmer uncovered for a heartier chili, or add a splash of broth if you like it looser.
- Make extra: Chili tastes even better the next day, so double the batch and freeze some for later. You may have to use a larger pot to make a double batch.
- Set up a chili bar: Put out toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl! It makes dinner more fun and interactive for kids.
- Storage: Allow chili to cool and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove until heated through. Add fresh Smiles on top before serving.
- Freezing: Store cooled chili in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Skip the Smiles until serving day so they stay crispy.
