Skillet Beef Chili
Hearty, flavorful, and simple to make, this easy skillet beef chili is perfect for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for the week.
Servings: 5 people
Calories: 509kcal
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 509kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 1329mg | Potassium: 955mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 533IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 6mg