Microwave Chili

Whip up a hearty and flavorful bowl of "Microwave Chili" in just 25 minutes! This quick and easy recipe combines savory ground beef, tender onions, and optional bell peppers with pantry staples like canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and bold spices such as chili powder and cumin—all cooked conveniently in the microwave. Perfect for busy weeknights, this no-fuss chili delivers all the comforting, slow-simmered flavors you love without the long cooking time. Top it off with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or green onions for a personalized touch. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this microwave-friendly chili is the ultimate solution for satisfying cravings in a pinch.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 piece small onion, finely chopped
• 1 piece bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Place the ground beef in a large, microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, stirring every minute to break up the meat, until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the cooked beef, and microwave on high for 2 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and water. Mix thoroughly to combine.

Step 4

Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, stopping halfway to stir. Ensure the chili is heated through and bubbling.

Step 5

Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, stir, and taste. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or spices if desired.

Step 6

Let the chili sit for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot, optionally garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1748.5 grams (1748.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1972

Total Fat 118.70g	152%
Saturated Fat 50.50g	253%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.50g
Cholesterol 404mg	135%
Sodium 3014mg	131%
Total Carbohydrate 111.80g	41%
Dietary Fiber 36.40g	130%
Total Sugars 28.70g
Protein 122.10g	244%

Vitamin D 12IU	60%
Calcium 798mg	61%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 4068mg	87%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.3%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 22.3%