Rotel Chili
I love a warm bowl of chili and this Rotel Chili is one of my favorites. It is the perfect meal for cool weather or game day. It’s so good you could use it at your next chili cook-off!
![spoon scooping chili and beans out of a white pot](https://leftoversthenbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rotel-Chili-Leftovers-Then-Breakfast-5.jpg)
Rotel Chili Recipe
This is a great recipe that couldn’t be simpler to put together. It is even easier with the green chilies already in the Rotel tomatoes.
Homemade chili is always a family favorite and can stand alone as a meal or used for chili dogs, nachos, or loaded baked potatoes.
A pot of chili can go a long way! If you double this recipe you can freeze a batch for a rainy day.
If you like this recipe, try my Rotel Pasta. It’s easy, creamy, perfect for a busy weeknight.
More Delicious Chili Recipes
![labeled picture of chili ingredients](https://leftoversthenbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rotel-Chili-Ingredients.jpg)
Ingredients Needed
Ground beef – Beef is the traditional choice for this chili but you could really use any ground meat. I like ground turkey for a healthier version.
Diced Onion – Use a white or sweet onion.
Tomato sauce – Instead of tomato sauce you can use diluted tomato paste or stewed tomatoes.
Rotel tomatoes – You can choose how spicy you want your chili – Rotel makes tomatoes with chilis ranging from mild to hot. They even have a “Chili Fixin’s” variety.
Chili seasoning mix – You can buy a pre-packaged mix or make some homemade.
Pinto, chili, or ranch beans – You can experiment with other varieties of beans such as black beans, kidney beans or cannellini beans. You can also use dried beans that have been soaked and then cooked until tender.
Pantry staples – Beef broth, olive oil, salt, black pepper.
Looking for more leftover worthy dishes? Follow LTB on Pinterest and pin to a board!
![ground beef cooking in a skillet](https://leftoversthenbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rotel-Chili-Leftovers-Then-Breakfast-2.jpg)
![ground beef, tomatoes, and beans in a pot](https://leftoversthenbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rotel-Chili-Leftovers-Then-Breakfast-3.jpg)
How to Make Rotel Chili
First: In a large skillet or stockpot, saute the diced onion in olive oil over medium heat until it starts to soften.
Second: Add ground beef and start to brown. About half way through the cooking process, add the chili seasoning.
Third: Once the meat is browned and no longer pink, add in the Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans and stir to combine.
Fourth: If the chili seems too thick you can add ½ cup water or broth to thin it out. Bring the chili to a boil and then simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat, serve, garnish and enjoy!
For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.
![chili in a white pot with a wood spoon](https://leftoversthenbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rotel-Chili-Leftovers-Then-Breakfast-4.jpg)
Favorite Chili Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Cilantro
- Jalapeno peppers
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
- Crackers
![bowl of chili surrounded by bread](https://leftoversthenbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rotel-Chili-Leftovers-Then-Breakfast-18.jpg)
How long does it last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top.
What is Rotel used for in cooking?
Rotel tomatoes with chilis are delicious in many different dishes such as chili, Rotel dip, and casseroles.
If your recipe calls for canned tomatoes and you want to kick the spice level up a notch, try using Rotel!
![overhead picture of two bowls of chili next to a pot with shredded cheese](https://leftoversthenbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rotel-Chili-Leftovers-Then-Breakfast-8.jpg)
Tips for No Leftovers
- You can also make this chili in the crock pot. Simply brown your ground meat first and place in the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients, cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
- To make your chili even spicier you can add an extra teaspoon or tablespoon of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- If you have leftover chili, you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or 4-6 months in the freezer.
- Spoon it over these crockpot hot dogs for a fun weekend meal and a great way to use up leftovers.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!
![collage of chili pictures](https://leftoversthenbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Rotel-Chili-Long-Pin.png)
It’s chili season y’all! Make this delicious recipe today for Rotel Chili…it’s perfect for a crowd and all the chili lovers will thank you.
![close up of bowl of rotel chili topped with jalapeno slices and cheese](https://leftoversthenbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/rotel-chili-featured-image.jpg)
Rotel Chili
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ medium onion diced – roughly 1 cup
- 1 pound ground beef
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 10 ounces Rotel
- 1.25 ounces Chili seasoning mix
- 16 ounces pinto chili, or ranch beans (undrained)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Over medium high heat, cook onion in olive oil until starting to soften.
- Add ground beef and start to brown. About half way through the cooking process, add the chili seasoning.
- Once the meat is browned through, add the Rotel, tomato sauce, and chili beans. Stir to combine.
- If the chili is too thick for your liking, add the ½ cup water or broth.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Garnish with cheese, cilantro, jalapenos, or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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