18 Easy Canned Chili Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to canned chili? ›

Fresh, chopped ingredients are excellent chili toppings.

"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said. "The fresh burst of flavor will brighten and elevate the chili while also adding great texture and crunch."

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

If your canned chili is too watery, round it out with an extra helping of ground beef, turkey, or pork. Don't forget to season and cook your meat fully before incorporating it. You could also bulk up a can of vegetarian chili with chopped mushrooms to boost both the flavor and texture of the dish.

Chili-topped baked potatoes: Top baked potatoes with canned chili beans, shredded cheese, and your choice of toppings for a quick and easy dinner. Chili macaroni and cheese: Mix canned chili beans with cooked macaroni noodles and a creamy cheese sauce for a hearty and flavorful dish.

"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said. "The fresh burst of flavor will brighten and elevate the chili while also adding great texture and crunch."

Top it off with your favorite additions, such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, corn chips, and a dollop of sour cream, for a customizable experience that's both easy to make and delicious.

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Should you drain cans of beans for chili? ›

However, canned beans are soaked in a canning liquid that can throw off your dish's seasoning and texture, so it's best to drain and rinse your beans before pouring them into your pot of chili. Canning liquid can also water down and dilute the flavors of your chili.

The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.

None of these canned options compared to the rich flavor of homemade chili, but some were decently tasty. If you're a passionate chili fan, chances are the canned variety won't impress you. As found in this taste test, these options generally sacrifice flavor and texture for convenience.

Open the can, dump contents into a pan, turn burner under pan on - heat slowly to stirring regularly. Bring to slight boil, turn off stove, remove from burner. Ladle chili into a bowl, top with shredded cheese, onions, or crackers whatever you like. Enjoy.

"By adding extra veggies you'll increase nutrients, fiber, and satisfaction," the twins say. "Bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, crushed tomatoes, onions, and carrots are all great choices."

However, canned beans are soaked in a canning liquid that can throw off your dish's seasoning and texture, so it's best to drain and rinse your beans before pouring them into your pot of chili. Canning liquid can also water down and dilute the flavors of your chili.

Chili may be topped with shredded cheese, sour cream or sliced green onions. Add a can of beans if desired or make with ground turkey in place of the ground beef.

Open the can, dump contents into a pan, turn burner under pan on - heat slowly to stirring regularly. Bring to slight boil, turn off stove, remove from burner. Ladle chili into a bowl, top with shredded cheese, onions, or crackers whatever you like. Enjoy.