Wicked Easy Chili Recipe

Name: Wicked Easy Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3 jalapeno pepper, seeds and membranes removed, and sliced into thin strips (or to taste); 1 pound extra lean ground beef; 2 teaspoons seasoned salt; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon white sugar; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 5 servings

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 jalapeo chile peppers, seeds and membranes removed, and sliced into thin strips (or to taste)
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

Directions

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeos. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Break the ground beef into small pieces and stir it into the pot. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the seasoned salt, chili powder, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, sugar, and minced garlic. Cook and stir for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Mix in the tomato sauce, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to blend and the beans and tomatoes to become tender.

Cook's Note

To seed and slice jalapeos, cut them in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out all of the seeds and white parts. Then cut the halves into thin strips.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1/5 of the recipe):

Calories: 337
Total Fat: 14g (18% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 5g (24% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 57mg (19% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1363mg (59% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 30g (11% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 10g (36% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 9g
Protein: 24g (47% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 43mg (47% Daily Value)
Calcium: 115mg (9% Daily Value)
Iron: 7mg (38% Daily Value)
Potassium: 1033mg (22% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Wicked Easy Chili

Origin and History

The origins of chili are often debated, but it is widely considered to have roots in the southwestern United States, particularly Texas, where the dish has become a staple in local cuisine. While chili's true origins are hard to pinpoint, it is thought to have evolved from the indigenous peoples' stews, which were made with beans, chili peppers, and whatever meat was available. The recipe for chili as we know it today was popularized in the 19th century, especially in Texas, where chili cook-offs became a beloved tradition. The "Wicked Easy Chili" recipe is a modern take on this American classic, offering a quick and accessible version that retains the bold flavors of traditional chili, but with a minimal cooking time and a straightforward approach.

Regional Variations

Chili is a versatile dish with countless regional variations. In Texas, chili is often made without beans, while in other areas, such as the American Midwest, beans are a key ingredient. The "Wicked Easy Chili" recipe, with its use of black beans, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, leans towards the more inclusive style of chili. In the southwestern U.S., chili is commonly spiced with ingredients like cumin, chili powder, and jalapeos, all of which are featured in this recipe. Regional preferences also influence the choice of meatwhile ground beef is a common option, some areas use pork or turkey for a leaner dish. The flexibility of chili means it can be adjusted to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a universal comfort food.

What Sets "Wicked Easy Chili" Apart?

What makes "Wicked Easy Chili" stand out from other chili recipes is its simplicity and speed. Unlike traditional chili, which can take hours to cook, this recipe is ready in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights or last-minute gatherings. The use of pre-cooked ingredients like canned tomatoes and black beans also cuts down on preparation time. Moreover, the recipe is highly adaptablemany reviewers have shared their personalized twists, from swapping in turkey for ground beef to adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. The combination of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and oregano, provides a well-balanced flavor that doesnt require hours of simmering to develop depth.

Where is it Usually Served?

Chili is typically served in casual settings, whether it's a family dinner, a sports game, or a potluck. This dish is also a popular choice at tailgating parties, especially in regions where football is king. "Wicked Easy Chili" is perfect for these occasions, as it can be made in large quantities and served in bowls with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions. It's also a great accompaniment to cornbread or crackers, making it a hearty, satisfying meal. Some creative cooks even turn chili into chili dogs or chili fries for a fun twist on the traditional dish.

Fun Facts About Chili

Chili is often referred to as "Texas red" in Texas, and it's illegal to make chili with beans in some parts of the state!
The first recorded chili recipe was published in the 18th century, and it was made with beef, chili peppers, and a variety of herbs.
In the early 1900s, chili was considered a working-class food, often sold by street vendors to miners and laborers.
Chili has become such a beloved dish in the U.S. that there is a National Chili Day celebrated every year on the last Thursday of February.
While chili is often served as a main dish, it can also be used as a topping for burgers, baked potatoes, or even as a pizza topping!

Whether you're a seasoned chili enthusiast or new to the world of this comforting dish, the "Wicked Easy Chili" recipe offers a delicious and simple introduction to this American classic. Its combination of rich spices, hearty beans, and tender beef creates a satisfying meal that will please anyone looking for a quick and flavorful bowl of chili.

FAQ about Wicked Easy Chili Recipe

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove until heated through.

Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you're ready to serve.

Yes, you can freeze the chili. Let it cool completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

If you prefer a leaner or different protein option, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Ground pork or beef alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP) also work well in this recipe.

Absolutely! You can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even fresh or pickled jalapeños to increase the heat. Adjust according to your preferred spice level.

Yes, you can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium versions of the tomato sauce, canned beans, and seasoned salt. You can also omit the seasoned salt entirely and adjust the other seasonings to taste.

The chili is ready when the beans and tomatoes are tender, and the flavors have had time to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be. You can cook it for anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your preference.

This chili pairs well with a variety of sides such as cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad. You can also top it with sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped onions for added flavor and texture.

Yes, you can make this chili vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with plant-based protein, such as textured vegetable protein (TVP), lentils, or more beans. Just adjust the seasonings to taste.

This recipe uses black beans, but you can substitute them with other beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or white beans, depending on your preference. Just ensure the beans are drained and rinsed before adding them to the chili.

Comments

Rock_lobster

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Wicked Easy Chili Haiku: "No doubt it's 5 stars! What made it so magical? I have no idea." Instead of the jalapenos and reg. diced tomato can, I used a can of Rotel, and was otherwise entirely faithful to the recipe. Can't say that I can put my finger on what made this chili so outstanding, but for all the chili recipes that I've tried, I can't recall the last one that elicited so many mumbled "mmmmm's!" and resounding agreements on 5-stars from my husband, daughter and myself than this one.

djmce

10/26/2020 12:14:20 AM

Trying this review again. Very good recipe and straightforward to make. I modified a few things: partially browned beef separately to knock down the grease content; swapped 1 generous tablespoon of pickled jalapeño per 1 raw jalapeño; swapped out 1 can of diced tomatoes for a can of stewed. Will make this one again!

Leslie Frates

02/21/2016 02:55:13 PM

Lives up to its name - easy. I don't like super spicy chili, so I did not use any jalepeno peppers. I did use one can of the Rotelle tomato and jalepeno mix. I like that this recipe calls for the lowest fat ground beef - still yummy, but not so fatty. I added a red pepper and another can of black beans. I also did not include the seasoned salt - I don't like things salty, and this chili is so flavorful, I didn't miss the salt at all. I still found my chili spicy, but the perfect spiciness for me.

Sharon Ish

06/24/2017 09:47:36 PM

This is my go to recipe for my hungry guys. I use ground turkey for a lower fat version. I do add sliced black olives, mexi-corn and substitute ancho chili powder. If I run out of black beans, I have used kidney beans or cannelli beans. For my guy with acid reflux....I add a teaspoon of baking soda after the pot comes off the heat......then I add elbow macaroni. Sticks to the ribs and my guys love this chili.

Sandi Stadler

03/06/2021 08:08:33 AM

I use Rotelle mild , dark red kidney beans and no jalapeños. We like a mild kick.

Selina

04/13/2019 10:51:30 PM

This was delicious! I added a can of rotel, some corn, extra garlic, red pepper flakes, chili and some cayenne because I like it extra spicy. I topped off my chili with sour cream, cheese and scallions. I also seasoned my beef and used red onions. This is a nice base that you can really customize.

Tara Buchanan

06/20/2018 09:56:32 AM

Eh. All the reviews say this is good, but I'm a bit disappointed. Something was missing. Maybe next time I'll try increasing the chili powder from 2 tsp to 2 Tbsp and see how that goes.

alkel321

12/05/2018 06:15:47 PM

So easy to make and delicious! I adjusted and added 1 can of kidney beans and 1 can of black beans and used pickled jalepeno peppers as I didn't have any fresh. Still came out delicious. I will definitely be making this again.

KAE2

10/22/2021 09:10:00 PM

CHANGES: 1 tsp seasoned salt , extra chili powder, about a cup beef broth

AugustAndEverythingAfter

10/04/2016 04:27:36 PM

Just like it says. Wicked easy. Also wicked yummy!! My family ate it like they hadn't eaten in weeks, and went back for seconds. Two days later, they were begging me to make it again. This is my new favorite chili recipe. I did make a few minor changes. I can't eat peppers of any kind, so I omitted the jalapeños and green peppers, and used original Rotel in place of the diced tomatoes. Otherwise I followed the recipe exactly. Perfect amount of kick and flavor. Topped it off with shredded cheddar and sour cream. Best chili I've had in a long time!

Ryan Joudrey

04/14/2015 05:02:00 PM

Loooooooove this recipe! I subbed more chili powder for the cumin, used additional bell peppers instead of the chili peppers, and added mushrooms because I love them. This is incredibly tasty... even with ground pork, which is what I tried this time around (I've made it twice). Outstanding results every time and a very healthful version!

Rebecca Taylor

01/09/2025 01:18:52 AM

Such a comforting dish on a cold evening.

Jennifer

01/06/2025 02:05:11 PM

I used ground turkey and low sodium V-8…added green olives and used red and yellow peppers. Delicious!!!

KayRyan

09/26/2023 03:00:18 AM

Added more garlic cloves.

sbgyn

03/26/2023 05:50:55 PM

Quick, easy, and tasty. I followed the recipe except for leaving out the jalapeños and then substituting a can of Rotel for the canned tomatoes as suggested by other reviewers. Just enough heat for a little kick. Thank you for the recipe and to the reviewers who suggested Rotel.

whitney8912

10/02/2022 11:30:49 PM

This was pretty good. 😊

8mb64hdv8p

02/19/2022 10:57:45 PM

Followed the recipe, and then some. Chopped up two sticks of celery, finely diced a carrot. Boiled up a cup of red kidney beans, a couple of globs of liquid browning for colour. Tweaked a little here and there and let it slowly bubble for an hour. 5 star yummy ! Seriously yummy!

Elizabeth Burrow

03/24/2021 11:47:15 PM

This was just like the name, easy & delicious!!

Jeri Edwards

03/22/2021 11:47:46 PM

Made it with ground turkey instead of beef, then used it for Fritos chili pies. Family loved it, and it really was super easy! Next time I make it, I'll probably have to double the recipe; there aren't any leftovers!!

Diana Payne

03/21/2021 02:00:57 PM

Super easy and so delicious! This recipe is a keeper.

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