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Easiest Microwave Chili

Rich, hearty chili served in the glass Anyday dish, packed with flavor from simmered beans, tomatoes, and spices. Microwave-prepared for a quick, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup, this chili stays fresh and ready in the fridge, thanks to the silicone-lined lid—ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5-6 mins

Free Time

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Easiest Microwave Chili

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This quick and easy chili comes together in under 15 minutes— microwave all in one Anyday dish. It’s the ultimate one-pot wonder! The key to this recipe is to thoroughly mix the meat with liquid before adding the beans, ensuring everything blends smoothly. In no time, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful chili perfect for any occasion.

Make it your own and use your favorite beans (or whatever you have in the cabinet!). Black, kidney, cannellini, or garbanzo beans all work in this recipe. Be sure to make a big batch! Leftover chili is always better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld together. Cook, serve, store, and reheat all in the same dish, making it as convenient as it is delicious.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 oz (115g) lean ground beef
  • ½ (15g) medium jalapeño, de-seeded and diced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 cup (200g) canned diced or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chicken stock or water
  • ½ cup (70g) canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

  1. Add all the ingredients except the beans in an Anyday dish and mix until the ground beef is well incorporated into the liquids.
  2. Gently stir in the beans, taking care not to mash them. Cover the dish with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for 5-6 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened and darkened in color.
  4. Serve hot.

Suggestions

  • Classic toppings: Finish with diced onion, chopped cilantro, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a classic touch.
  • Hearty baked potato: Serve the chili over a baked potato for a hearty and satisfying meal.
  • Nutritious veggie medley: Top steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage with chili for an extra nutrition boost.
  • Chili con queso nachos: Layer tortilla chips with chili, melted queso, and your favorite toppings for a delicious snack.

Recipe Notes

  • Mixing the ground beef with the liquids before adding the beans is crucial for this recipe. This ensures the meat forms small, well-separated lumps instead of clumping together like a meatloaf!
  • Feel free to use any beans you prefer! Options include kidney, pinto, black, cannellini, or even garbanzos for added variety.
  • Freeze portions in the Anytime Freezer Trays to save for up to 4 months, and reheat as needed.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Chili in the Microwave

What is chili?

Chili, or chili con carne, is a hearty dish traditionally made with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Originating in the American Southwest, particularly Texas, chili is influenced by Mexican cuisine. Chili is similar to a stew or bolognese sauce but is distinguished by its specific seasonings, such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika, which create its signature bold flavor. This combination makes it a comforting bowl of hot, savory goodness, perfect for warming you up on a chilly day.

Can I make chili in the microwave?

Yes, you can! Anyday makes it super easy to prepare chili in the microwave. This method is 3 times faster than using the stove or slow cooker, while still ensuring rich flavors and perfect consistency. All without the hassle of multiple pots and pans or splatter stains!

Why do I need to mix the ground beef with the liquids before adding the beans?

Mixing the ground beef with the liquids before adding the beans is crucial for successful chili consistency. This method prevents the meat from clumping together, which ensures a more enjoyable texture in your chili.

Can I make chili ahead of time? How long can I save it for?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply cook the chili in an Anyday dish, allow it to cool, and then cover with the lid. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.

Can I freeze chili?

Absolutely! You can freeze chili directly in Anyday dishes, or in our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays for convenient portioning. The chili can be frozen for up to 4 months, giving you a ready-to-go homemade meal whenever you crave it. The lids on our dishes and trays are perfect for keeping odors out and preventing freezer burn, ensuring your chili stays fresh.

What’s the best way to reheat chili?

To reheat chili from the fridge, place the covered Anyday dish in the microwave and heat at full power for 1-2 minutes, adjusting the time based on the serving size, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, transfer the frozen portions to an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and heat at full power for 1-2 minutes per portion, stirring halfway through. For more tips on reheating frozen food, check out our blog: Reheating Frozen Food.

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