Why It Works

This Easy Skillet Beef Chili is hearty, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes. Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices create classic chili flavor, while crispy McCain Smiles fries on top add a playful, kid-approved twist. One skillet, minimal cleanup, and bold, satisfying flavor make it a weeknight winner.

Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can chopped tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
• Juice of 1/2 lime

For Topping:

• McCain Smiles fries (or tater tots, waffle fries, tortilla chips)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Diced onion
• Fresh tomatoes
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic
   Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef
   Add ground beef, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat, until fully browned.
4. Simmer the Chili
   Stir in beans, chopped tomatoes, and lime juice. Simmer 3–5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chili to reduce slightly.
5. Cook the Smiles
   While chili simmers, prepare McCain Smiles fries according to package directions in an air fryer or oven until golden and crispy.
6. Serve
   Spoon chili into bowls, top with crispy Smiles, and add optional toppings. Serve immediately.

Getting Kids Involved

• Let kids sprinkle cheese or diced tomatoes over their chili bowls.
• They can help arrange Smiles fries on top for fun presentation.
• Younger cooks can mash a few beans or stir the chili (with supervision) to feel involved.

Pro Tips, Meal Prep & Time Savers

• Swap Proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
• Extra Veggies: Add corn, zucchini, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
• Adjust Spice: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or extra chili powder for heat.
• Air Fry Smiles: Keeps them crisp and golden.
• Make Ahead: Chili freezes beautifully without Smiles; reheat gently and add freshly cooked fries.
• Create a Chili Bar: Offer toppings for a DIY bowl experience.

Storage: Refrigerate chili (without fries) up to 4 days; freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently, then top with freshly cooked Smiles fries.

This Easy Skillet Beef Chili is cozy, satisfying, and fun — perfect for weeknights, game day, or anytime you want comfort food without the fuss.

Skillet Beef Chili

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Print Recipe

Hearty, flavorful, and simple to prepare, this Skillet Beef Chili is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead for the week. Made in one pan with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices, it’s a comforting classic topped with crispy Smiles for a fun twist.

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of chili to bring comfort to the dinner table. This version keeps things simple while delivering rich, smoky flavor in every bite. It’s made entirely in a skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner with your family.

The crispy Smiles on top add texture and make chili night extra fun — especially for kids!

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon chili powder (add 1 more teaspoon for extra heat)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 2 teaspoons cumin

• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15-ounce) can chopped tomatoes (fire-roasted for deeper flavor)

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1/2 pound McCain Smiles

Optional Toppings:
Sour cream, grated mozzarella, cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, diced tomatoes, diced onion

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking the beef apart, until fully browned.

Step 4: Simmer

Stir in the beans, chopped tomatoes, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Simmer for an additional 3 minutes to allow the chili to thicken slightly and heat through.

Step 5: Cook the Smiles

While the chili cooks, prepare the Smiles in an air fryer or oven according to package directions until golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon chili into bowls and top with crispy Smiles. Serve with toppings on the side so everyone can customize their bowl.

Notes

Adjust the Thickness

Simmer uncovered for a thicker, heartier chili. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of broth.

Make It Ahead

Chili tastes even better the next day. Double the batch and freeze some for later — just be sure to use a larger pot if doubling.

Create a Chili Bar

Set out toppings and let everyone build their own bowl. It makes dinner interactive and fun for kids.

Storage

Allow chili to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop until warmed through. Add freshly cooked Smiles before serving.

Freezing

Store cooled chili (without Smiles) in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Prepare Smiles fresh on serving day so they stay crispy.

• Author: Miks