Foodie Friday! - Easy 3 Chili

I think about the only thing autumnal missing from my blog this fall has been a bowl of steaming hot chili!


Everyone has a chili recipe and it is amazing how different chili recipes can be.   With the weather being cooler we were ready for some chili to warm us up a bit.  If you are wanting to try a different chili recipe or just want a basic recipe - here's the one I use.

Easy "3" Chili

2 pounds hamburger

onion (optional) 

Brown the above in a large soup pot.  When browned, drain.

Add: 

3 packets of chili seasoning mix (I use Hy-Vee brand)

 3 cans of chili beans (15 ounce size)

3 cans of tomatoes (similar size)

(hence the name Easy "3" Chili)

Stir well to blend all ingredients, heat through, and simmer for several hours.  

Put in bowls and top with some cheese if you like.  Serve with a loaf of rustic bread fresh from the oven as we did and you have a perfect meal for a rainy day or chilly fall day. 

This recipe is so flexible.  If you prefer more meat, less beans or tomatoes, adjust accordingly.  If you like more spice, add more seasoning mix or chili powder.  The amounts listed above are a good base to start with.

And I love that I need 3 of the beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning.  It makes it easy for me to remember the ingredients I need when shopping.   

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What I do differently:

I'm not a bean lover, so I just use 2 cans of chili beans.


I like tomatoes, but in small pieces, so I used diced tomatoes


I suggest having some tomato juice on hand in case you need to thin it down a bit, especially when reheating. Chili can really thicken up in the fridge.  Also, some people prefer a thicker chili and some a thinner chili, so have some tomato juice in the cupboard.  

I think this would be great with some green pepper added as well - I may try that this weekend when I make another batch!


Sounds like some cold weather headed our way next week.  I hope this recipe helps you warm up just a bit and takes the chill off.

Happy Friday!


P.S. I made this again this weekend and used less tomatoes (petite diced), and a different brand.  I found I had to add about half of a large can of tomato juice. So do have some on hand to be safe!!!