McCormick Chili Recipe: There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili—especially when it’s made with McCormick’s original blend of spices. Whether it’s game day, a cold winter evening, or just a craving for something delicious, McCormick Chili hits the spot every single time. In this guide, you’ll learn everything from what ingredients you need to the step-by-step process of making this comfort food classic.
Let’s get cooking and transform your kitchen into the ultimate chili station!
Why McCormick Chili is a Classic
McCormick Chili isn’t just a meal—it’s a household tradition for many. The blend of spices in McCormick’s Original Chili Seasoning Mix has been a staple in American kitchens for decades. It balances smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that instantly elevate even the simplest ingredients.
Unlike overly complicated gourmet recipes, McCormick Chili is beloved because of its simplicity and consistency. You always know you’re going to end up with something that’s bold, hearty, and absolutely mouthwatering. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can tweak it with different proteins or toppings to suit your mood.
What Makes This Recipe So Special
What sets McCormick Chili apart isn’t just the flavor, it’s the foolproof nature of the recipe. You don’t need to be a chef to make this dish taste amazing. All it takes is a few basic ingredients, a pack of McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix, and about 30 minutes of your time.
Also, the aroma alone when it starts cooking is enough to get the whole family excited for dinner. It’s a one-pot wonder that delivers a cozy, satisfying meal every time. With McCormick, you get that “slow-cooked all day” flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ground Beef and Alternatives
Traditionally, McCormick Chili starts with ground beef—it’s juicy, flavorful, and cooks quickly. A lean ground beef (around 80/20) gives you a good balance between flavor and fat. If you want a healthier or more budget-friendly option, try these alternatives:
- Ground turkey or chicken: Lighter, but still hearty.
- Plant-based crumbles: For a vegetarian twist.
- Chopped mushrooms and lentils: A great vegan alternative that adds meaty texture.
No matter which protein you pick, the seasoning blend ties everything together.
The Secret Spice Mix – McCormick Original Chili Seasoning
This little packet is where the magic happens. McCormick’s seasoning mix includes:
- Chili pepper
- Cumin
- Onion
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Salt and a touch of sugar
All pre-measured, perfectly blended, and ready to turn your pot of ingredients into a bowl of chili perfection.
Canned and Fresh Add-ins
Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Adds acidity and texture.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney or pinto beans – Provides bulk and richness.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion – Classic chili base flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – Optional, but adds depth.
- 1/2 to 1 cup water – Helps meld everything together during simmering.
You can always throw in extras like bell peppers, jalapeños, or corn to make it your own.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1 – Sautéing the Onions and Garlic
Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
This step lays the flavor foundation. The sugars in the onion caramelize slightly, giving the chili a subtle sweetness that balances out the bold spices.
Step 2 – Browning the Ground Beef
Next, add your ground beef (or alternative protein) to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Make sure to drain any excess fat if needed. This keeps your chili from becoming greasy and allows the seasoning to shine.
The goal is to brown, not boil, the meat. Browning adds tons of umami flavor and gives the chili that rich, satisfying base.
Step 3 – Adding Tomatoes, Beans, and Seasoning
Now it’s time to turn this into chili! Stir in your diced tomatoes, drained beans, water, and the full packet of McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix.
Bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil while stirring to distribute everything evenly. The smell at this point? Absolutely amazing.
Pro tip: If you like a thicker chili, reduce the water a bit. Want it soupy and stewy? Add a little more.
Step 4 – Simmering for Perfect Flavor
Once everything is combined, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for at least 10 minutes.
This is when the magic happens. The spices hydrate and meld, the meat soaks in flavor, and the beans and tomatoes absorb the deliciousness around them. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
For even better results, simmer for 20-30 minutes if you have time. You’ll get richer, deeper flavor with every bite.
Tips for the Best Chili Every Time
Cooking Time and Temperature
The secret to chili that tastes like it simmered all day is patience—even if you’re only cooking it for 30 minutes. Keeping the heat low during the simmering phase helps all the flavors develop fully without overcooking or drying out the meat.
Don’t rush it. Give your chili time to bubble gently. Stir it every few minutes to keep anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the mixture starts getting too thick before it’s done, just add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
Also, chili often tastes even better the next day. Letting it cool and refrigerate overnight lets all the spices and ingredients marry even more.
Customizing the Heat Level
One of the beauties of McCormick Chili is that you can start mild and then adjust the heat to your preference. Here are a few ways to spice things up (or down):
- Mild version: Stick with the original seasoning and don’t add any extra heat.
- Medium heat: Toss in a few chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Hot and spicy: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or use hot chili beans instead of plain.
You can also use hot versions of canned tomatoes, like fire-roasted or ones with green chilies, to add some smoky heat.
Best Toppings and Garnishes
Toppings are where you can really let your creativity shine. They add texture, creaminess, and brightness to the rich chili base. Here are some crowd-favorites:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced green onions or red onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
You can even set up a chili bar with different toppings so everyone can customize their own bowl.
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With McCormick Chili
Chili is a full meal on its own, but it gets even better with the right sides. Here are some delicious pairings:
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory, it’s the perfect companion to chili.
- Rice: Spoon chili over a bed of white or brown rice for a hearty, filling dish.
- Baked potatoes: Use chili as a topping for baked spuds—add cheese and sour cream on top.
- Tortilla chips: For dipping or scooping, chips make a great sidekick.
- Mac and cheese: Ever tried chili mac? It’s outrageously good.
For a casual dinner or game night, you can even serve chili with sliders, nachos, or hot dogs.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
Leftover chili is like gold—it gets better with time and can be reinvented in so many tasty ways:
- Chili dogs: Top your favorite hot dogs with reheated chili and cheese.
- Chili nachos: Layer chili, cheese, and jalapeños over tortilla chips, then bake until bubbly.
- Chili-stuffed bell peppers: Hollow out some peppers, fill them with chili, top with cheese, and bake.
- Chili over fries: Think of it as comfort food overload—chili cheese fries are always a hit.
- Chili burritos: Wrap it up in a tortilla with rice, beans, and veggies for a handheld meal.
Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—or freeze them for longer shelf life.
Healthier Tweaks and Variations
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Chili Options
If you’re watching your carb intake, you can still enjoy a delicious bowl of chili with a few smart swaps. McCormick Chili is versatile enough to fit into a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Here’s how:
- Skip the beans: Beans are nutritious but high in carbs. Replace them with extra ground meat or chopped veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Use full-fat ground beef or turkey: Fat adds flavor and helps keep you full longer—great for keto.
- Add cauliflower rice: Bulk up your chili with cauliflower rice for added texture without the carbs.
- Top with avocado or full-fat cheese: Healthy fats enhance the richness and satisfaction.
You’ll still get all the bold, spicy flavor of traditional chili with fewer carbs and more healthy fats.
Vegan and Vegetarian McCormick Chili
Plant-based eaters don’t have to miss out either. With just a few adjustments, you can create a vegan-friendly version that’s just as comforting and delicious.
- Use lentils, black beans, or chickpeas as your protein base.
- Add mushrooms or plant-based meat crumbles for a hearty texture.
- Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth or water for extra depth.
- Include colorful veggies like bell peppers, corn, and carrots to bulk it up.
The McCormick seasoning mix is vegan-friendly, making it a perfect flavor booster without the need for animal products.
Kid-Friendly Modifications
If you’re making chili for picky eaters or young children, it’s easy to dial things down:
- Skip the spice: Leave out jalapeños and red pepper flakes.
- Add a touch of sweetness: A small spoon of brown sugar or ketchup can balance acidity and mellow the heat.
- Serve with fun sides: Corn muffins, cheese, and tortilla strips make it more fun and appealing.
The beauty of chili is how easily it adapts to suit everyone’s palate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Meat
Chili is meant to be slow-cooked for flavor, but that doesn’t mean you want to overcook the meat before adding the other ingredients. Browning the beef until it’s no longer pink is enough—too much time on the heat can make it dry and chewy.
Let the simmering do the rest of the work as the meat softens in the flavorful liquid.
Not Tasting and Adjusting Seasoning
Even with a great seasoning mix like McCormick’s, tasting your chili as it cooks is essential. Factors like the type of tomatoes you use or how salty your broth is can impact the final flavor.
Taste before serving and adjust if needed:
- A pinch of salt
- A touch of sugar to balance acidity
- A squeeze of lime for brightness
- Extra spice if you’re feeling bold
Rushing the Simmering Process
A common mistake is cranking up the heat and trying to speed things up. Resist the urge. The longer you let your chili simmer (within reason), the better the flavor. If you’ve got time, aim for at least 30–45 minutes.
This also gives the ingredients a chance to blend into that thick, rich chili texture we all love.
FAQs about McCormick Chili Recipe
1. Can I make McCormick chili without ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
2. Is McCormick chili mix spicy?
McCormick chili mix has a mild to medium heat level. For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the recipe.
3. How long does it take to cook McCormick chili?
The total cook time is usually around 25–30 minutes, making it a quick and hearty meal option.
4. Can I use McCormick chili mix in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown your meat first, then add all ingredients—including the mix—into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
5. What can I serve with McCormick chili?
Serve it with rice, cornbread, tortilla chips, or baked potatoes. It’s also great as a topping for hot dogs or nachos.
6. How can I thicken McCormick chili?
To thicken, let the chili simmer uncovered, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
7. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, McCormick chili freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
8. What vegetables can I add to this chili?
Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or even carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
9. Does McCormick chili mix contain gluten?
Always check the label. Most classic McCormick chili mixes are gluten-free, but it’s best to verify the specific product you’re using.
10. How do I make the chili less salty?
Use low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes, and consider adding more meat or vegetables to balance the flavor.
Conclusion
McCormick Chili isn’t just a recipe—it’s a go-to comfort food that delivers every time. Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd on game day, this chili is warm, satisfying, and unbelievably simple to make.
With its iconic seasoning mix and flexible base, you can tweak it for every diet, occasion, or craving. Keep it classic, spice it up, or pack it with veggies—it’s up to you. Once you master this step-by-step guide, you’ll always have a winning recipe in your back pocket.
