This guide will walk you through making a fantastic and flavorful chili using McCormick Chili Seasoning. Whether you like it loaded with beans, prefer it meat-only, want a hands-off slow cooker meal, or need a quick and easy chili recipe, we've got you covered. We'll even explore options with McCormick Mild Chili Seasoning and the delightful kick of Rotel.
Let's get cooking!
McCormick Chili Recipe with Beans (Easy Stovetop)
This is our go-to easy chili recipe using the classic McCormick Chili Seasoning.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet (1.25 oz) McCormick Chili Seasoning
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained (optional, but recommended for a fuller chili)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, tortilla chips, cornbread
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using). Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, draining off any excess grease.

Step 3: Add the Chili Seasoning
Sprinkle the McCormick Chili Seasoning ingredients over the browned meat and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release the flavors of the spices.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, rinsed and drained kidney beans, and pinto beans (if using). Stir in the beef broth (or water).

Step 5: Simmer the Chili
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, simmer for up to an hour.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

McCormick Chili Recipe Without Beans (Easy Stovetop)
Simply follow the same recipe above, omitting the kidney and pinto beans. You might want to slightly increase the amount of ground beef to make it a heartier McCormick chili recipe without beans. You could also add other vegetables like corn or more bell peppers.
McCormick Chili Recipe with Rotel (Adding a Zesty Kick)
To make a McCormick chili recipe with Rotel, simply substitute one can of the plain diced tomatoes with a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained). This adds a delicious, subtle heat and extra flavor dimension.
McCormick Mild Chili Seasoning Recipe
If you prefer a milder chili, just use a packet of McCormick Mild Chili Seasoning in place of the original. Follow the same instructions as the McCormick chili recipe with beans or without. This is a great option for those sensitive to spice.
McCormick Chili Recipe Slow Cooker (Hands-Off Deliciousness)
For an incredibly easy chili recipe with minimal effort, try the McCormick chili recipe slow cooker method.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey), browned and drained
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1.25 oz) McCormick Chili Seasoning
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In your slow cooker, combine the browned and drained ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), minced garlic, McCormick Chili Seasoning, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, rinsed and drained kidney beans, pinto beans (if using), and beef broth (or water). Stir well to combine.

Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Step 3: Serve
Once cooked, give the chili a good stir and ladle into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes.

Answering Your Chili Questions:
What is in the McCormick chili seasoning?
While the exact blend is proprietary, McCormick Chili Seasoning ingredients typically include a mix of spices like chili pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, garlic powder, and other spices to create that classic chili flavor.
What is the secret to really good chili?
The secret to really good chili often lies in a few key factors:
- Building Layers of Flavor: Sautéing the vegetables and blooming the spices in oil helps to develop deeper flavors.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good-quality ground meat and tomatoes can make a big difference.
- Simmering Time: Allowing the chili to simmer for an extended period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Seasoning: Don't be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as it cooks. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a touch of brown sugar or vinegar to balance the flavors.
- Personal Touch: Adding your favorite ingredients, like different types of beans, vegetables, or even a touch of cocoa powder or coffee, can make your chili unique.
How to use McCormick chili powder?
McCormick chili powder is a blend of spices specifically designed for chili. You typically use it by
- Sautéing your vegetables and browning your meat.
- Add the chili powder to the pot and cook it for a minute or two to release its aroma and flavor.
- Add the remaining ingredients, like tomatoes, beans, and broth.
- Simmering the chili to allow the flavors to develop.
Follow the instructions on the McCormick Chili Seasoning packet or use it as a base and adjust other seasonings to your liking.
How to make chili American style?
Making chili American style generally involves a hearty base of ground meat (usually beef), tomatoes, chili powder, and often beans. Onions and sometimes bell peppers are commonly included. It's typically simmered for a good amount of time to allow the flavors to meld. The use of a pre-made chili seasoning blend like McCormick Chili Seasoning is a very common and easy chili recipe approach in American home cooking. Different regions and personal preferences will lead to variations, but this combination of meat, tomatoes, chili spices, and often beans is a hallmark of American-style chili.
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