How I Make My Chili Fast
How I Make My Chili Fast is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Steve | The Vivaldi Way on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $14.24 total, $2.37 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 0.5 lb Ground Pork (regular fat content)
- 0.5 lb Ground Veal (optional, adds richness)
- 1 large Onion (chopped roughly, keep chunks)
- 2 stalks Celery Stalks (sliced)
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 3 pieces Thai Chilies (optional, sliced thin)
- 1 can Canned Mixed Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 Tbsp Patada Chili Seasoning Mix (store‑bought blend, optional)
- 2 cups Water (adjust for desired thickness)
Instructions
Prep the vegetables
Dice the onion, slice the celery, and peel & dice the carrots. Set aside in a bowl.
Time: PT5M
Heat oil
Add 2 Tbsp olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium heat until shimmering.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Brown the meat
Add the ground beef, pork, and veal to the pot. Season with 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp pepper. Break up with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Add vegetables and chilies
Stir in the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and sliced Thai chilies. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add spices
Sprinkle in 1 tsp onion powder, 2 Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 Tbsp Patada chili seasoning. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Time: PT1M
Add water and bring to simmer
Pour in 2 cups water (or more for a thinner chili). Stir, then increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high to bring to simmer
Simmer the chili
Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer, uncovered or partially covered, for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. The vegetables should be tender and the flavors melded.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: Low simmer
Add beans and finish
Stir in the drained mixed beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the beans are heated through and the chili thickens slightly.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low heat
Serve
Remove from heat, ladle into bowls, and serve with crusty bread or toppings of choice.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, High-Protein
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Ground Pork: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Ground Veal: ground beef, ground turkey
- Instead of Onion: shallots
- Instead of Celery Stalks: fennel stalks
- Instead of Carrots: parsnips
- Instead of Thai Chilies: jalapeño, serrano
- Instead of Canned Mixed Beans: canned kidney beans, canned black beans
- Instead of Patada Chili Seasoning Mix: additional chili powder
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Can Opener
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the meat thoroughly to develop flavor
- Simmer the chili for at least 30 minutes so vegetables soften and flavors meld
- Add the beans at the end to prevent them from breaking down
Chef Tips from the Video
- Using three types of ground meat adds depth and richness
- Keep the vegetable pieces slightly chunky for texture contrast
- Patada seasoning is a convenient shortcut but feel free to customize the spice blend
Troubleshooting
Chili is too thick
Add a splash of water or broth and stir until desired consistency is reached.
Chili is too watery
Uncover and simmer an extra 10‑15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Flavor is bland
Increase chili powder, add a pinch more salt, or stir in a dash of hot sauce.
Meat isn’t browned
Increase heat and avoid crowding the pot; brown in batches if necessary.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool before refrigerating.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The chili tastes even better the next day; refrigerate and reheat gently over low heat
- Portion and freeze for quick meals; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chili in American family cooking?
Chili has become a staple comfort food in American households, especially in the Midwest and Southwest, where it evolved from Tex‑Mex roots into a hearty, meat‑centric dish served at family gatherings and casual dinners.
What regional variations of chili exist within the United States cuisine?
In Texas, chili often omits beans and focuses on meat and chilies; in the Midwest, beans are a common addition; the Southwest incorporates corn, green chilies, and sometimes pork for a richer flavor profile.
How is traditional chili typically served in American culture?
Traditional American chili is served hot in bowls, often accompanied by crusty bread, cornbread, rice, or topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions.
During what occasions is chili traditionally enjoyed in American families?
Chili is popular for weeknight family meals, game‑day gatherings, pot‑lucks, and as a warming dish during colder months or holiday gatherings like Super Bowl parties.
What makes this quick family chili special compared to other American chili recipes?
This version emphasizes speed and simplicity, using a mixed‑meat blend, a ready‑made Patada seasoning, and a single simmer, while still delivering deep flavor and plenty of vegetables for a balanced meal.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic American chili versus acceptable substitutes?
Classic chili includes ground beef, chili powder, cumin, onions, and sometimes beans; substitutes can include ground pork, turkey, or veal for the meat, and different chili powders or fresh chilies for heat.
What other American side dishes pair well with this quick family chili?
Serve with cornbread, buttery biscuits, a simple green salad, or roasted sweet potatoes to complement the rich, spicy flavors of the chili.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this quick family chili?
Common errors include not browning the meat fully, adding beans too early (they can fall apart), and letting the chili simmer uncovered for too long, which can dry it out.
Why does this recipe use a blend of three meats instead of just beef?
Combining beef, pork, and veal creates a richer, more complex flavor and a tender texture that a single meat alone may lack, especially in a quick‑cook dish.
Can I make this quick family chili ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the chili improves after resting. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.
What does the YouTube channel Steve | The Vivaldi Way specialize in?
The YouTube channel Steve | The Vivaldi Way focuses on practical, family‑friendly recipes that emphasize speed, simplicity, and flavorful home cooking, often sharing kitchen hacks for busy parents.
How does the YouTube channel Steve | The Vivaldi Way's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Steve | The Vivaldi Way prioritizes quick, one‑pot meals using pantry staples and minimal prep, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate techniques or gourmet presentations.
Last updated: September 2, 2026






