Speedy Gonzales Chili
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon (15 ml) chili powder
1½ pounds ground beef
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed and chopped
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili powder on the beef, add the beef to the onions, and cook it, breaking it up with a fork as it browns, about 10 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, peppers, onion powder and garlic powder and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
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This Speedy Gonzales chili is a 30-minute pot of browned ground beef, onions, red pepper, and diced tomatoes carrying a full tablespoon of chili powder. No beans, no fuss - just a hearty, savory chili that tastes like it simmered for hours. Weeknight food at its finest.
Pro Tips
- Sprinkle the chili powder directly onto the beef before it browns. The spices toast in the pan fat and the whole pot tastes deeper for it.
- Break the beef up with a fork as it browns so you get loose, even crumbles instead of clumps.
- Give the chili its full 20-25 minute simmer. The flavors flatten out if you pull it off the heat early.
- A medium red bell pepper adds sweetness against the chili powder. Chop it small so it cooks through in the simmer.
- The leftovers are even better the next day, once the spices have settled into the meat and tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Speedy Gonzales chili paleo?
It is - ground beef, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and spices, with no beans, flour, or sugar.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely. It keeps for up to 4 days in the fridge and tastes even better the next day. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
How spicy is this chili?
A tablespoon of chili powder gives warm, mild heat rather than fire. Add a pinch of cayenne or a minced chili if you want it hotter.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes - brown it exactly the same way. You may want a touch more oil, since turkey is much leaner than beef.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili powder on the beef, add the beef to the onions, and cook it, breaking it up with a fork as it browns, about 10 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, peppers, onion powder and garlic powder and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
