This super easy chili recipe from Nora Kelley, combines a few pantry staples to create a thick, hearty chili that tastes like it’s been simmering all day long!
My relationship with the Alabama Farmers Federation is one that I’m incredibly proud of. From the Farmhouse Kitchen column I contribute each month to their Neighbors magazine to the food segment each week on the Federation produced Simply Southern TV. But more than that, I’m grateful for the opportunities that they offer me to be able to help tell the stories of farming families across the state.
Previous to me taking over the food section of the magazine, each month they’d feature a recipe from one of those farming families. While I was grateful for the opportunity to share 3 or 4 Southern Bite recipes each month, it just felt like something was missing. Those recipes that came from the hard working families that make up Alabama’s farming community were beloved by readers and we wanted a way to bring them back.
So starting this month, we’re featuring a recipe in the column from one of the previous issues that represents one of those farming families. And the Federation has graciously allowed me to share those recipes right here on Southern Bite, too!
First up is this delicious and easy recipe for Quick Chili from Nora Kelley. Nora raised her kids on the family farm in Coosa County, Alabama – so you know when she shares a recipe, it’s going to be hearty and delicious. And this one certainly is!
Ground beef is combined with a few pantry staples and some fresh produce to make a quick chili recipe that is ready in about an hour but tastes like it’s been simmering all day long.
While I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure about adding a can of tomato soup to chili, it worked beautifully and I was more than surprised by the result. And while I found that her measurements for the seasonings were perfect, keep in mind that different brands will offer different flavors and strengths of flavor, so adjust those to your tastes.
One other tip I can share is for that large can of whole tomatoes. I’m sure you could also use a can of diced or stewed tomatoes of the same size, but I wanted to keep it true to Nora’s recipe, so I used the whole tomatoes. Since the recipe calls for them to be undrained and chopped, I simply opened the lid and used a pair of kitchen shears/scissors to chop them up right in the can.
Hope y’all enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ large green bell pepper, chopped (about ½ cup)
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped *
- 1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and green pepper until beef is browned. Drain excess grease away. Add the undiluted soup, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve topped with cheese.
Notes
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
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Wonderful. Did change tomatoes used 16oz stewed tomatoes and 1 can green chilies añd tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes. Like some heat.chriss
Hi Stacey! I made this Saturday night for my family! Everyone commented on how tasty it was. A little too sweet for my taste so I added some cayenne pepper and another tablespoon of Chili powder. Didn’t help. I wonder what would? I think it was the Tomato soup that was sweet????
I’m so glad your family enjoyed it. If it tasted too sweet, adding more cayenne or chili powder won’t really cancel sweetness, it mostly just adds heat. I’d try a little acidity instead: a splash of apple cider vinegar or lime/lemon juice at the end usually balances it right out. You can also bump up salt just a touch, or add a spoonful of tomato paste to deepen the flavor. And yes, some brands of tomato soup run sweeter than others, so that could definitely be part of it.
Hi Stacey! We love this chili! How long do you think it should cook if I put it all in the crock pot after browning the beef, peppers, and onions? Thanks!
I’d guess 2 to 4 hours (or longer) but I’ve not tested it in the crock pot.
Wonderful. Did change tomatoes used 16oz stewed tomatoes and 1 can green chilies añd tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes. Like some heat.chriss
So glad you enjoyed it, Chriss!
Delicious! Quick and easy! Definitely a keeper. Thanks!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Loved this chili recipe. Have made it twice and just made it yesterday and having the leftovers tonight.
Love hearing that!
Chilli doesn’t have beans in it
YES almost exactly like ours, but we like lots and lots of beans
No complaining from me! 🙂
Stacey, I was told through the grapevine from Linda Robinson Watson, that you were kin to us maybe a distant cousin down the line!!! I am interested in purchasing one of your cookbooks, because it doesn’t get any better than southern cooking, and the Robison’s sure did know how to cook!! Where might I purchase one of your cookbooks?
Thanks,
Maricia Bailey
That’s correct! I sure appreciate Aunt Linda sharing with you! You can get the book in a few different places. You can find it online at Amazon, Books-A-Million, Barnes and Noble, etc. You might can find it in store at Books-A-Million if you’ve got one close to you as well. You can find more info here: https://southernbite.com/southern-bite-cookbook-150-irresistible-dishes-4-generations-familys-kitchen/ Thanks for the support!
I have added a can of tomato soup to our beef stew recipe for decades. It gives it a smoother finish, reduces some of the acidity I think. I can see where it would be a major improvement in a chili recipe also.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Stacey. Can’t wait to do this chilli. Looks easy and delicious. And also thanks to Nora Kelley 😊
Hope you’ll enjoy it!
wish i saw this yesterday, when i was home sick & decided to make chili! by the time mine was ready, i was too tired to eat 🙁 this looks delicious, & it is going to be my “go to” chili recipe!
and i think its wonderful that you are involved with the farmers federation, & sharing good ole southern cooking recipes. i always look forward to your emails. thanks stacey!
Oh no! Sure hope you’re feeling better!