Rotel Chili
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Are you craving a warm, hearty meal but short on time? Rotel Chili is the answer! This quick and easy recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish. You can whip up a tasty bowl of chili using only 8 simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

This chili packs a flavorful punch thanks to the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. The mix of ground beef, beans, and veggies creates a filling meal that will satisfy your hunger. Plus, at only 200 calories per serving, you can enjoy a bowl without any guilt. Give this Rotel Chili recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and tasty Rotel chili:
- 1 pound ground chuck beef (80% lean)
- 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 (1.25-ounce) package chili seasoning mix
- 1 (16-ounce) can beans in chili seasoned sauce, undrained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
This recipe makes 8 servings, perfect for a family meal or leftovers. You’ll love how simple these ingredients are!
Most items are easy to find at your local grocery store. The star of this chili is the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, which adds a nice kick of flavor.
Don’t forget to grab some toppings too! Shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions can take your chili to the next level.

Instructions
Get your large saucepan ready! Place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll know it’s done when the beef isn’t pink anymore. Drain off any extra fat.
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle in the chili seasoning mix. Stir it up well. Then add all the canned goods – beans, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with chilies, and tomato sauce. Don’t forget to pour in the cup of water too.
Turn up the heat and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down to medium. Let it cook for 10 more minutes. Give it a stir every so often.
Your chili is ready! Grab some bowls and spoon it in. It’s perfect for a cozy meal. You can add toppings if you like – maybe some cheese or sour cream? Enjoy your tasty Rotel chili!

Possible Substitutes List
You can make some easy swaps in this Rotel chili recipe if you’re missing ingredients. For the ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Vegetarians can use crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitutes.
No yellow onion? Red or white onions work too. In a pinch, use 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
If you can’t find chili seasoning mix, make your own with:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp oregano
For the canned beans, any variety works – pinto, kidney, or black beans are great choices.
Can’t find Rotel tomatoes? Use regular diced tomatoes and add a small can of diced green chilies. Or try one of these options:
- Canned diced tomatoes + 1/4 cup salsa
- Fresh diced tomatoes + chopped jalapeños
- Tomato sauce + chili flakes
Remember to adjust spices to taste. These swaps let you customize your chili while keeping it quick and easy!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this Rotel chili recipe diabetes-friendly, you can make a few easy swaps. Use lean ground turkey instead of beef to cut down on fat. Pick low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes to reduce salt.
Try these changes:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean)
- No-salt-added canned beans
- Low-sodium diced tomatoes
- Reduced-sodium tomato sauce
Skip the chili seasoning packet. Make your own mix with:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
These spices add flavor without extra sugar or salt.
Cook the turkey and onions as directed. Drain well to remove extra fat. Add your homemade spice mix and the rest of the ingredients.
You can also boost the fiber by adding more veggies. Try 1 cup of diced bell peppers or zucchini. This helps slow down digestion and steadies blood sugar.
Serve your chili with a small whole grain roll instead of crackers. Top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for extra protein.
These easy tweaks make a tasty, diabetes-friendly meal without losing flavor. Enjoy your chili guilt-free!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For extra flavor, try browning the beef before adding the onions. This will give your chili a richer taste. You can also add some minced garlic with the onions for an extra kick.
Don’t have chili seasoning mix? No problem! Make your own with:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Want it spicier? Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, use regular diced tomatoes instead of the Rotel tomatoes with chilies.
This chili tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Serve your chili with fun toppings like:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
For a heartier meal, serve over rice or baked potatoes. Enjoy your quick and tasty Rotel chili!