Name: McCormick Chili Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 packet McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix; 1 can (15 ounces kidney beans, drained); 1 can (14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained); 1 can (8 ounces tomato sauce)

Look, I’ll be honest with you right off the bat—I’m not one of those people who meal preps on Sundays or knows the difference between simmering and sautéing without Googling it first. But the McCormick Chili Recipe? This one made me look like I had my life together, even when I so clearly did not.

You ever have one of those nights where you invite people over and immediately regret it? I had exactly 25 minutes before a handful of friends showed up to my apartment, expecting “dinner.” I had no clue what I was making. My fridge had milk that expired two weeks ago, a bag of spinach I’d been lying to myself about eating, and… ground beef.

And on the counter? A dusty packet of McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix I bought months ago when I swore I’d start cooking more.

Well, I did what any desperate, half-hungry, socially-anxious person would do—I threw everything I had into a pot and prayed it tasted like something.

Not only did no one die, but someone legit asked me for the recipe.

I was like… seriously?

That’s how this chili became my “signature dish.” And now, it might become yours too.

Why You’ll Love This McCormick Chili Recipe?

Let me tell you why the McCormick Chili Recipe is one of the best weeknight “I have no brain cells left” meals out there.

It’s quick. You’ll spend more time scrolling TikTok than making this. We’re talking 25 minutes tops.
The seasoning does the heavy lifting. Seriously. That McCormick packet? It’s like someone else did the spice math for you.
It’s forgiving. Mess up the measurements? Forget to stir? Add too many beans? It’ll still taste great.
It’s comfort food. This chili is warm, filling, and somehow makes you feel like you’re doing better than you actually are.
It’s got vibes. Serve it during a game night, a Netflix binge, or after crying to a 90s rom-com. It fits every occasion.

Ingredient Notes:

Here’s the basic list. And trust me, I’ve swapped out half of these at some point and lived to tell the tale.

Ground beef (1 lb) – I go lean-ish. You don’t want grease puddles. But hey, if that’s your style, you do you.
Chopped onion (1 cup-ish) – Yellow, white, or red. I once used frozen. Still worked.
McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix (1 packet) – The real MVP here. No fancy spice rack needed.
Kidney beans (1 can, drained) – Canned beans are your friend. I’ve also used black beans in a pinch.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, undrained) – The juice is part of the magic. Don’t drain it.
Tomato sauce (1 small can) – Helps make it thick and cozy. Like the chili equivalent of a weighted blanket.

How To Make McCormick Chili?

Step 1: Brown the meat and onion.
Toss the beef and onion into a big pan over medium-high heat. Stir it around until the meat’s no longer pink and the onions look soft and tired (about 5 minutes). If there’s a ton of grease, scoop some out. You’re not frying bacon here.

Step 2: Dump in the rest.
Add the chili seasoning, beans, tomatoes (juice and all), and tomato sauce. Stir like you mean it. This is the moment everything starts smelling like comfort.

Step 3: Simmer, baby.
Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and cover it. Let it chill for 10 minutes. Stir once or twice if you remember. If you forget? Meh. It’ll probably be fine.

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.

Step 4: Top it like it’s hot.
Ladle it into bowls and add your toppings—cheese, sour cream, green onions, crushed chips… I once added avocado and nobody complained.

Storage Options:

This chili? It ages well—like wine or Paul Rudd.

Fridge it: Stick leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 4 days.

Freeze it: Yes, really. I like freezing mine in single portions so future-me can eat without cooking. Just defrost in the fridge or microwave it like a rebel.

Pro tip: It actually tastes better on Day 2. Don’t ask me why. Something science-y.

Variations and Substitutions:

One of my favorite things about this McCormick Chili Recipe is how you can switch it up depending on your mood—or pantry situation.

No beef? Try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based crumble.
No beans? Leave ’em out. Or use lentils. I once used chickpeas and honestly? Not bad.
Need more spice? Toss in hot sauce or chopped jalapeños. Or go chaotic and add a pinch of cinnamon like my aunt used to. Still not sure if that was intentional.
Want veggies? Bell peppers, corn, even mushrooms. It’s chili, not a math test. Just have fun with it.

What to Serve with McCormick Chili?

This chili is the friend who gets along with everyone:

Cornbread – Sweet or savory, it’s chili’s soulmate.
Tortilla chips – For scooping, dipping, or casually shoveling.
Over rice – Fills you up and stretches leftovers.
Baked potatoes – Slice one open, stuff it with chili, and never look back.
Mac & cheese – I know it sounds weird. But once you try chili mac? You’re hooked.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yep! Brown the meat and onions first, then dump everything in the slow cooker. Low for 4–6 hours works great.

What if I forget an ingredient?
Join the club. I once forgot tomato sauce. Still tasted great. Chili is forgiving like that.

Can I make it ahead?
Totally. It actually improves overnight, like chili with emotional growth.

This McCormick Chili Recipe saved my butt more times than I can count. It’s the kind of meal that makes people think you tried harder than you did. It warms you up, fills your belly, and honestly—just makes life a little easier.

So give it a go. Tweak it. Mess it up a little. Make it yours.

And when you do? Come back and tell me what weird or wonderful twist you put on it. Or tag me in a picture. I wanna see that masterpiece.

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Ham and Cheese Bites

Butterscotch Pie

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers