Looking for a quick, delicious meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in? This Aldi Chili Recipe has you covered! Using simple ingredients from your local Aldi, this hearty chili is packed with flavor and takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
With tender ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and creamy pinto beans, it’s a comforting dish that’s both easy and satisfying. Top it with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, queso fresco, and a squeeze of lemon lime juice for a meal that’s sure to please everyone.
What so Special About Aldi Chili?
Aldi Chili stands out for its simplicity, affordability, and rich flavors. Using readily available ingredients from Aldi, this recipe combines ground beef, pinto beans, and a hot chili seasoning mix for a hearty, satisfying meal.
The ease of preparation and the ability to customize with toppings like Chile de Arbol, sour cream, and queso fresco make it versatile for any palate. Aldi’s quality products ensure a delicious, budget-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, making it a go-to comfort food for any occasion.
Aldi Chili Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 large can of pinto beans
- 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
- 1 packet hot chili seasoning mix
- Garlic salt (to taste)
- Optional: 1 cup water (for a soupier consistency)
- Toppings: Chile de Arbol, red pepper flakes, lemon lime juice, green onion, sour cream, queso fresco
- Milagro chips (for serving)
Equipment & Tools Required
- Large skillet or pot
- Wooden spoon
- Can opener
- Knife and cutting board
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
How to Make Aldi Chili?
Step-01: Cook the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with garlic salt. Cook the meat until it’s browned and cooked through, allowing it to cook in its own fat. Once the meat is fully cooked, carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet.
Step-02: Add Roma Tomatoes and Chili Seasoning
With the beef still in the skillet, add the diced Roma tomatoes and the packet of hot chili seasoning mix. Stir everything together and let it cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step-03: Add Pinto Beans
Next, add the large can of pinto beans, including the liquid. Stir gently to combine with the beef and tomato mixture. Be careful not to overcook the beans; they only need a few minutes to heat through, as they are already cooked. This step ensures the beans stay intact and don’t become too mushy.
Step-04: Adjust Consistency and Serve
If you prefer a soupier chili, you can add one cup of water at this stage. Stir well and let it heat for another minute or two. Once everything is heated through, your chili is ready to serve! Scoop it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, and crumbled queso fresco for a touch of richness.
For the perfect pairing, serve your chili with Milagro chips, also available at Aldi. The crunchiness of the chips complements the hearty, chunky texture of the chili perfectly.
Check some other recipes from Aldi
Creative Serving Ideas for Aldi Chili Recipe
1. Classic Bowl: Serve the chili in a bowl topped with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and tortilla chips for a traditional and hearty meal.
2. Chili Cheese Fries: Pour the chili over a bed of crispy french fries and top with melted cheddar cheese and jalapeños for a deliciously indulgent treat.
3. Chili Dogs: Spoon the chili over grilled hot dogs in buns, then add diced onions, shredded cheese, and mustard for a classic chili dog experience.
4. Chili Tacos: Use the chili as a filling for soft or hard taco shells. Add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a tasty twist on tacos.
5. Chili Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with chili, cheese, and jalapeños, and bake until the cheese is melted. Finish with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
6. Chili Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with the chili mixture. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Chili Mac and Cheese: Stir the chili into a pot of creamy mac and cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish that combines two favorites.
8. Chili Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with a generous scoop of chili, then add cheese, sour cream, chives, and bacon bits for a filling meal.
9. Chili Quesadillas: Spread chili and shredded cheese between two tortillas, then cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
10. Chili Breakfast Skillet: For a hearty breakfast, serve the chili over crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes, topped with fried eggs and avocado slices.
URRecipe Community Tips on Aldi Chili Recipe
1. Brown the Meat Well: For a richer flavor, make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly. This adds a deep, savory taste to the chili.
2. Use Fresh Garlic: If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, consider using fresh minced garlic instead of garlic salt. Add it to the beef while cooking.
3. Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by choosing a milder or spicier chili seasoning mix. You can also add more or fewer Chile de Arbol or red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance.
4. Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, consider adding diced bell peppers, onions, or corn. Sauté them with the tomatoes for added flavor.
5. Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: For a smoky twist, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular Roma tomatoes.
6. Try Different Beans: While pinto beans are classic, you can mix in other beans like kidney or black beans for added texture and flavor.
7. Let It Simmer: If you have time, let the chili simmer on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes after adding all the ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld together.
8. Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, chili powder, or other spices to suit your taste.
9. Make It Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Consider making it a day in advance and reheating it when ready to serve.
10. Top It Creatively: Beyond the suggested toppings, try adding shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, or a dash of hot sauce. These additions can elevate your chili to the next level.
How to Store Leftover Aldi Chili?
To store leftover Aldi Chili, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. Enjoy your hearty meal anytime!
Aldi Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 large can of pinto beans
- 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
- 1 packet hot chili seasoning mix
- Garlic salt to taste
- Optional: 1 cup water for a soupier consistency
- Toppings: Chile de Arbol red pepper flakes, lemon lime juice, green onion, sour cream, queso fresco
- Milagro chips for serving
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with garlic salt. Cook the meat until it’s browned and cooked through, allowing it to cook in its own fat. Once the meat is fully cooked, carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet.
- With the beef still in the skillet, add the diced Roma tomatoes and the packet of hot chili seasoning mix. Stir everything together and let it cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Next, add the large can of pinto beans, including the liquid. Stir gently to combine with the beef and tomato mixture. Be careful not to overcook the beans; they only need a few minutes to heat through, as they are already cooked. This step ensures the beans stay intact and don’t become too mushy.
- If you prefer a soupier chili, you can add one cup of water at this stage. Stir well and let it heat for another minute or two. Once everything is heated through, your chili is ready to serve! Scoop it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, and crumbled queso fresco for a touch of richness.
- For the perfect pairing, serve your chili with Milagro chips, also available at Aldi. The crunchiness of the chips complements the hearty, chunky texture of the chili perfectly.
Video
Notes
Common queries on Aldi Chili Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Aldi Chili Recipe
1. Does Aldi sell chili sauce?
Yes, Aldi offers a variety of chili sauces, including hot chili sauce and sweet chili sauce. These sauces can be used to add extra heat or flavor to your dishes.
2. What makes chili chili?
Chili typically includes a combination of ground meat (such as beef), beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning. The seasoning, which often contains chili powder, cumin, garlic, and other spices, is what gives chili its distinctive flavor and heat.
3. Does Aldi sell chili?
Yes, Aldi carries canned chili and chili seasoning mixes. You can also find all the necessary ingredients to make homemade chili, such as ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices.
4. How many calories are in Aldi chili nuts?
Aldi’s chili-coated peanuts (chili nuts) typically contain around 160-200 calories per 28g (about 1 ounce) serving. However, it’s best to check the specific packaging for accurate nutritional information.
5. Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this chili vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with additional beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
6. Can I freeze the chili for later?
Yes, this chili can be frozen for up to three months. Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
7. What toppings go well with chili?
Popular toppings for chili include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, and tortilla chips. You can customize the toppings based on your preference.
8. How can I make the chili spicier?
To add more heat, consider adding extra chili powder, hot sauce, fresh chili peppers, or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier chili seasoning mix or add diced jalapeños.
9. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
10. What sides pair well with chili?
Chili pairs well with a variety of sides, including cornbread, garlic bread, rice, salad, or a baked potato. You can also serve it with chips and guacamole for a complete meal.
This Aldi Chili Recipe is incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit.
All the ingredients, except for the optional Chile de Arbol, can be found at your local Aldi, making it convenient and budget-friendly.
Enjoy your meal, and feel free to adjust the toppings and seasonings to your liking. Happy cooking!
Feel free to contact us, and be sure to follow URRecipe on Pinterest for a variety of delightful recipes!