Trader Joes Chili Recipe

This hearty, thick Trader Joes Chili Recipe is made with lean ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and black beans, and ready in 40 minutes. The rich tomato base bubbles down until it clings to every single bean and crumble of beef. I make this whenever the temperature drops and I need a quick weeknight dinner.

Why This Classic Works

I used to spend hours simmering chili on the stove to develop deep flavors. I quickly learned that using quality, pre-seasoned ingredients like fire-roasted tomatoes cuts that time in half. The smoky char from the canned tomatoes does the heavy lifting.

My biggest mistake early on was completely draining the diced tomatoes before adding them to the pot. I found that keeping the tomato juices helps create the broth naturally. This creates a thick, rich texture without needing extra thickeners.

Trader Joes Chili Recipe Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15)
• 1 packet Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning (or 3 tbsp chili seasoning)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Trader Joe’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can Trader Joe’s Organic Black Beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can Trader Joe’s Organic Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup beef broth

How To Make Trader Joes Chili Recipe

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook for 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains.
3. Add the Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant and completely coating the beef.
4. Simmer the Chili: Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Thicken the Base: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the liquid reduces and thickens to your liking.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t rush the meat browning: Letting the beef get a nice crust adds a deeper savory flavor to the final bowl.
• Adjust the liquid: If you prefer a thinner consistency, add an extra half cup of beef broth during the simmering stage.
• Let it rest: Taking the pot off the heat for five minutes before serving allows the starches to settle and thicken further.

What To Serve With Chili

A slice of warm cornbread is the ultimate side for soaking up the spiced tomato broth. You can also serve it over a baked potato or with a handful of sturdy tortilla chips for dipping.

How To Store

Keep leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly here. You might need an extra drizzle of olive oil since turkey is leaner.

Is this recipe spicy?

The standard taco seasoning gives it a mild kick. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños with the onions.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker on low for 4 to 6 hours.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
• Protein: 32 g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joes Crunchy Onion Chili Oil Recipe
• Trader Joes Enchilada Recipe
• Trader Joes Dumpling Recipe with Chili Soy Sauce

Trader Joes Chili Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Hearty, thick Trader Joes Chili Recipe packed with lean ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, organic black beans, and taco seasoning, ready in 40 minutes. This quick weeknight dinner delivers slow-simmered comfort without the wait, making it an easy family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15)

• 1 packet Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning (or 3 tbsp chili seasoning)

• 1 (14.5 oz) can Trader Joe’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, undrained

• 1 (15 oz) can Trader Joe’s Organic Black Beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 (15 oz) can Trader Joe’s Organic Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 cup beef broth

Directions

• 1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
• 2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook for 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains.
• 3. Add the Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant and completely coating the beef.
• 4. Simmer the Chili: Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• 5. Thicken the Base: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the liquid reduces and thickens to your liking.