Mexican cuisine is known for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and the perfect balance of spice. One of the most iconic elements of Mexican food is chili, a dish that can be customized in countless ways to suit any taste preference. From savory stews to stuffed peppers, Mexican chili recipes offer something for everyone. In this article, we’ll dive into the Top 5 Mexican Chili Recipes You Can Make in Under an Hour, providing you with practical tips, clear instructions, and real-world examples to ensure your meal is both delicious and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Mexican cuisine, these recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s explore these quick and tasty Mexican chili dishes!
1. Classic Mexican Chili Recipe
The classic Mexican chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It combines ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices to create a rich, savory chili that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. The best part? It can be made in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can of black beans (15 oz)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jalapeño, chopped (optional for extra heat)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown the meat: In a large pot, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Add the beans and tomatoes: Stir in the black beans and diced tomatoes, along with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Let the chili simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and serve: Top the chili with fresh cilantro and serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
This classic Mexican chili recipe is a quick and comforting meal that can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add more beans or vegetables.
2. New Mexico Green Chili Recipe
The New Mexico green chili recipe is a regional favorite that highlights the unique flavors of roasted green chiles. This dish is mildly spicy, smoky, and packed with earthy flavors. It’s a great option for those who want something a little different from traditional red chili.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 roasted green chiles (Hatch or Anaheim)
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lime juice for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Sear the pork: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed pork shoulder and sear it on all sides until browned.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the roasted green chiles: Stir in the roasted green chiles, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 30-35 minutes until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Garnish and serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili and garnish with cilantro. Serve with warm tortillas or over rice.
This New Mexico green chili recipe is perfect for those who enjoy the smoky, slightly spicy flavor of roasted green chiles. It’s a comforting stew that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
3. Mexican Chili Relleno Recipe
Chili relleno, which means “stuffed chili,” is a traditional Mexican dish that involves filling roasted poblano peppers with cheese or meat, then frying or baking them. This Mexican chili relleno recipe offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures, with a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy center.
Ingredients:
- 4 large poblano peppers
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or queso fresco)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Roast the peppers: Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet and broil them for 5-7 minutes on each side until the skins are charred. Transfer them to a sealed plastic bag for 10 minutes to steam, then peel off the skins.
- Prepare the filling: While the peppers are roasting, shred the cheese and set it aside.
- Stuff the peppers: Make a small slit along one side of each pepper and remove the seeds. Stuff the peppers with the shredded cheese.
- Coat and fry: Lightly dust each stuffed pepper with flour. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Dip each pepper into the egg mixture, then fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: In a saucepan, sauté diced onion and garlic, then add tomato sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Place the fried peppers on a plate and spoon the tomato sauce over the top. Serve with rice or beans.
This Mexican chili relleno recipe is a showstopper at any meal. The combination of roasted peppers and melted cheese creates a delightful contrast of flavors, making it a must-try dish for Mexican food lovers.
4. Mexican Chicken and Chili Soup
If you’re looking for a light yet flavorful meal, this Mexican chicken and chili soup is a great choice. Packed with shredded chicken, spicy chiles, and fresh vegetables, this soup is both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and jalapeño, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the chicken and spices: Stir in the shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
- Add the tomatoes and beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes and black beans, stirring to combine.
- Simmer with broth: Add the chicken broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with tortilla chips for a crunchy side.
This hearty Mexican chicken and chili soup is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The combination of shredded chicken, beans, and flavorful broth makes it a filling yet healthy option for any day of the week.
5. New Mexico Green Chili Stew Recipe
A warming and flavorful dish, New Mexico green chili stew is a staple in Southwestern cuisine. Made with tender pork and roasted green chiles, this stew is a perfect balance of spice and comfort. It’s ideal for when you want something hearty but quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
- 6-8 roasted green chiles (Hatch or Anaheim)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Sear the pork: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed pork and sear until browned on all sides.
- Sauté the vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the roasted chiles and potatoes: Stir in the roasted green chiles, cubed potatoes, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the stew to a simmer. Cook for 30-35 minutes until the pork is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro
. Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread.
This New Mexico green chili stew recipe is perfect for a cold evening or whenever you’re craving a comforting bowl of stew. The roasted green chiles add a smoky depth of flavor that complements the tender pork and potatoes.
Conclusion: Spice Up Your Week with These Mexican Chili Recipes
There you have it—five delicious and easy Mexican chili recipes that you can whip up in under an hour. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic chili, a spicy stew, or a cheesy chili relleno, these recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures to keep your meals exciting.
Try out one (or all) of these recipes this week and share your experience! Whether you’re a fan of mild or spicy, these Mexican chili dishes are sure to impress your taste buds. Leave a comment below with your favorite version, and don’t forget to share these recipes with friends and family for a flavor-packed dinner night!