This hearty chili delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, thanks to a convenient seasoning blend. The combination of ground beef, beans, and tomatoes creates a satisfying base.
What makes this dish special is how the pre-mixed spices enhance the natural richness of the ingredients. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients for Chili Recipe with Bush’s Chili Magic
A handful of pantry staples plus this convenient blend create bold, satisfying chili in no time.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef 🥩 | 1 ½ lb | 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred |
| Bush's Chili Magic 🌶️ | 1 package | Original flavor seasoning blend |
| Kidney Beans 🫘 | 1 can | 15 oz, drained and rinsed |
| Black Beans 🫘 | 1 can | 15 oz, drained and rinsed |
| Diced Tomatoes 🍅 | 2 cans | 14.5 oz each, undrained |
| Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Medium, finely diced |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 3 cloves | Minced for depth of flavor |
| Beef Broth 💧 | 2 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Tomato Paste 🍅 | 2 tbsp | For concentrated tomato flavor |
| Olive Oil 🫒 | 2 tbsp | For sautéing aromatics |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste after cooking |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
The beef is the foundation here. 80/20 ground chuck delivers the richest flavor—opt for grass-fed if available at Whole Foods or your local butcher. The Bush’s Chili Magic packet is non-negotiable for this recipe; it’s formulated specifically to enhance the meat and beans. Most supermarkets stock it in the canned bean aisle. For the tomatoes, San Marzano canned tomatoes are ideal if you want to elevate the dish.
No Bush’s Chili Magic? Use 1 tbsp chili powder plus 1 tsp each cumin and garlic powder as a substitute, though the flavor profile won’t be identical. Kidney beans can be swapped for pinto or red beans (drained and rinsed). Fresh tomatoes work but require 10 minutes of simmering to break down properly. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with 1.5 lb crumbled tempeh or extra beans.
This chili tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. Perfect for meal prep—portion into containers for easy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Wonder: I brown the beef, dump in the Bush’s Chili Magic, beans, and tomatoes—no chopping, no fuss. Honestly, it’s almost too easy.
- Rich & Smoky: That Chili Magic packet packs in just the right blend of spices, so the flavor is deep and satisfying without me measuring a dozen ingredients.
- Feeds the Freezer: I make a double batch and freeze half—it reheats like a dream for those nights I’d rather not cook.
- Budget Stretcher: Ground beef and canned beans keep it affordable, and it fills up my family of four with leftovers to spare.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chili With Bush’s Chili Magic
This method ensures bold, balanced flavors with minimal effort and maximum consistency.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics
Heat the 2 tbsp Olive Oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb Ground Beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Stir in the diced 1 whole Onion and minced 3 cloves Garlic Cloves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This builds the flavor base that makes the dish rich and aromatic.
Step 2: Incorporate Seasonings and Tomatoes
Sprinkle the 1 package Bush’s Chili Magic evenly over the beef and stir to coat. This blend contains the perfect balance of spices, so no additional seasoning is needed at this stage.
Add the 2 tbsp Tomato Paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor. Then pour in the 2 cans Diced Tomatoes with their juices. The liquid will help deglaze the pot, lifting any browned bits from the bottom for extra depth.
Step 3: Simmer with Beans and Broth
Stir in the 1 can Kidney Beans, 1 can Black Beans, 2 cups Beef Broth, 1 tsp Salt, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. Both types of beans add texture and heartiness, while the broth ensures the chili stays moist during simmering.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili is ready when the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly, coating the back of a spoon.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, though the Bush’s Chili Magic typically provides a well-balanced profile. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips For Making Chili Recipe With Bush’S Chili Magic
- Brown the Beef Well: Cook the ground beef on medium-high until deeply browned, not just gray—this builds the rich base flavor that makes chili taste like chili.
- Rinse the Beans: Always drain and rinse the kidney and black beans to wash off excess starch, which can make your chili thicker and slightly metallic-tasting.
- Skip the Early Tomatoes: I learned this the hard way—add the diced tomatoes after browning the beef and blooming the Chili Magic, or you’ll steam the meat instead of searing it.
- Bloom the Spices: After draining the beef, let the Chili Magic seasoning toast in the pot for 30 seconds before adding liquid—it wakes up the flavors and prevents a dull, flat taste.
Regional Styles of This Recipe
Texas-Style Hearty
In Texas, they skip the beans and focus on meat. Use 2 lb Ground Beef instead of 1.5 lb, omit the beans, and add 1 diced jalapeño for heat. The Bush’s Chili Magic still provides that signature flavor base. 🔥
Cincinnati Three-Way
Serve this chili over spaghetti noodles and top with shredded cheddar cheese. This Ohio tradition also includes 1 tsp cinnamon in the seasoning blend for warmth. The Bush’s Chili Magic already has the perfect spice balance for this style.
Southwest Green Chile
Add 2 chopped green bell peppers and 1 can diced green chiles with the tomatoes. Use pinto beans instead of kidney beans for a Southwestern twist. The Bush’s Chili Magic complements the green peppers beautifully.
Vegetarian Adaptation
Replace the beef with 1.5 lb crumbled tempeh or 1 can each of pinto and black beans. Add 1 zucchini diced for extra texture. The Bush’s Chili Magic works perfectly for meatless versions too.
Midwest Sweet Touch
Stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar at the end for a touch of sweetness popular in the Midwest. This balances the spices in the Bush’s Chili Magic blend. Some regions also add 1 tbsp cocoa powder for depth. 💛
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Use 1.5 lb ground turkey for a leaner version. Brown it the same way, and consider adding 1 tbsp olive oil since turkey is drier than beef.
How spicy is this chili?
The seasoning blend offers mild heat. For extra kick, add 1 diced jalapeño or 1/2 tsp cayenne with the beef. Taste and adjust before serving.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What toppings pair best with this?
Classic choices include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. For crunch, add tortilla chips or diced avocado.
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