15 Best Canned Chili 2024 [Taste the Spice of Life]
If there's one thing a kitchen cupboard should never be without, it's a can or two of chili. Be it a quick lunch to fill the emptiness of your stomach, a comforting dinner after a long day, or an effortless addition to your house party menu, you can't go wrong with the rich, steamy goodness of chili.
Now, I know what you're probably thinking - can anything from a can really live up to the homemade version? Well, I’m here to tell you that the best canned chili can certainly give those painstakingly slow-stewed pots a run for their money. With its hearty flavors, enjoyable texture, and the convenience factor that is simply off the charts, you'll wonder why you didn't stock up sooner!
Also Read: Best Chili Garlic Sauce Substitutes
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15 Best Canned Chili of 2024
When it comes to the universe of canned chili, the options can seem endless. Chili brands have upped their game, offering a myriad of varieties for every palate, from the lovers of traditional beef and bean stews, to those with dietary restrictions. Flavor profiles range from fiery hot to mild and comforting. Let's dig in and discover the top 15 canned chili that are sure to spice up your next meal.
1. Nalley Cheddar Cheese Chili with Beans
First up on our list is the Nalley Cheddar Cheese Chili with Beans. This isn't your ordinary can of chili—it's the ultimate cheesy experience. Perfectly cooked beans are smothered in a sauce that marries the smoky sweetness of tomatoes with ground beef and a generous amount of cheddar cheese. This chili is a cheese lover's dream come true, with the rich cheddar beautifully complementing the spice.
As you scoop up each spoonful, you'll find the texture to be well balanced, making it a satisfying meal on its own or a superb accent to dishes like nachos, hotdogs, or even casseroles. It's hard not to appreciate the convenience of this chili, obligingly flavorful straight from the can but easily customizable to your liking.
2. Dennison's Turkey Chili
Number two on our list is Dennison's Turkey Chili. It's a much-welcomed departure from the rest of the mostly beef-dominated arena. The chili makes good use of turkey, a lean source of protein that many consumers prefer. One bite into this chili, and it highlights itself with a beautifully balanced blend of spices. You'll also find well-cooked kidney beans that add a dense, creamy texture to each bite.
Moreover, the chili maintains a robust, hearty flavor without being overly rich, making it perfect for those that enjoy a slightly lighter option without compromising the comforting experience that a good chili dish provides. Pair it with a baguette or use it as a filling in your tacos, Dennison's Turkey Chili is a versatile gem.
3. Dennison’s Original Chili Con Carne with Beans
Third, we have Dennison’s Original Chili Con Carne with Beans. This can of goodness proposes a solid promise – it is traditional, hearty, and hits every right note on a chili lover's checklist. The marriage of ground meat and red kidney beans makes for a filling dish that entirely captures the essence of a classic chili. Thanks to a fine blend of seasonings, you'll find the flavor to be deep and rich.
Each spoonful assures layers of taste, making it a joy to eat by itself or with a side of cornbread. Plus, the convenience of opening a can shouldn't be understated. On a day when you don't feel like cooking from scratch, this canned chili by Dennison’s provides a hearty and satisfying solution.
4. Gardein Plant-Based Chili with Beans
Our fourth contender is not only a revolution in the canned chili realm, but also a delight for taste buds—it's the Gardein Plant-Based Chili with Beans. Finally, a treat for the vegetarians and vegans out there! With protein-packed beans and Gardein's plant-based meat, this chili hits a home run regarding nourishment and flavor. You could hardly tell that the juicy, seasoned chunks aren't real meat!
It serves a hearty meal, but without the usual heaviness, leaving you snug and satisfied. This chili also excels in terms of texture, boasting a robust sauce that clings beautifully to the beans and 'meat' chunks. Smearing this delicious plant-based chili over some toasted bread or alongside veggie sticks could very well be your next best meal!
5. Great Value Chili with No Beans
Fifth is the perfect pick for all the bean dissenters out there—the Great Value Chili with No Beans from the ever-reliable Walmart brand. This can may lack the beans, but it most certainly doesn't lack in flavor or heartiness. Packed full of deliciously cooked and seasoned beef, each spoonful ensures a mouthful of rich meatiness that beef lovers will adore.
The sauce is equally a star in this concoction with just the right amount of heat and smokiness. It's the ideal choice if you're tasked to find a quick, convenient, and tasty chili for your next BBQ or simply to level-up your nachos game on movie night.
6. Campbell's Chunky Chili with Beans
At number six comes the Campbell's Chunky Chili with Beans. Campbell's is a household name in the canned food industry, and this product doesn't disappoint. Each can of Campbell's Chunky Chili provides a pantry of flavors, brimming with chunks of well-prepared beef and kidney beans. It offers a rich, full-bodied flavor that doesn't shy away from the spice. The chili keeps its lower notes rooted firmly in the smoky and hearty, a signature classic of good chili.
Plentiful meat and beans ensure this chili can satisfy even the most insatiable appetite. Whether you're enjoying it straight out of the bowl or serving it with your favorite pasta, there's always something to look forward to when opening a can of Campbell's Chunky Chili.
7. Hormel Chili No Beans
The seventh slot belongs to the Hormel Chili No Beans. Hormel is almost synonymous with the world of canned chili. Indeed, this product proves why. Aimed at those who prefer to savor the beefy goodness without the distraction of beans, this chili's got you completely covered. It boasts a thick, flavorful gravy that beautifully enrobes the well-cooked and spiced chunks of beef. The chili maintains a certain lightness by avoiding an overload of flavors, allowing the quality of the beef to shine through. This chili serves as the perfect companion for hot dogs, or simply served on a steamy bed of rice.
8. Hormel Chili with Beans
At number eight stands another stalwart offering from Hormel, the Hormel Chili with Beans. Catering to the more traditional palate, this chili offers a mixture of meat and beans soaked in a wonderfully hearty sauce. As an all-round meal in a can, you can expect each spoonful to deliver a wholesome flavor. The beans add a wonderful creamy aspect to the texture, while the meat ensures heartiness. Hormel's unique blend of spices infuses a lovely layer of kick, setting the tone for the chili. Pour this over your nachos or eat it solo, either way, satisfaction is almost guaranteed.
9. Trader Joe's Beef Chili with Beans
Up next is a cult-favorite that deserves a spot on every chili lover's shelf—it's the Trader Joe's Beef Chili with Beans. This can of comfort brings you tender, flavorful beef and hearty beans bathed in a robust sauce. The beef pieces in this chili are generously sized, cooked meticulously to give you authentic meaty satisfaction in each bite, while the beans render a creamy backdrop. Flavors are dialed high in this charming little can, with a medley of spices coming together to offer an aromatic, tongue-tingling heat that elevates your eating experience. It's a classic no-fuss chili that makes for a quick, filling meal or a zesty addition to your nachos and burgers.
Also Read: Best Beers For Chili
10. Tony Packo's World Famous Chili
Stepping into the tenth spot, we have Tony Packo's World Famous Chili. Hailing from a celebrated Hungarian hot dog shop in Toledo, Ohio, this chili jazzes up your taste buds with a unique blend of flavors. It balances a robust meat presence against finely diced vegetables and a slightly tomato-rich sauce, deviating from the usual, yet in a beautifully tangy way. The chili is prepared in Packo's exclusive recipe that harmonizes savory, tangy, and spicy elements. It recreates the unique flavor of old-world Eastern European dishes right in your very kitchen, saving you the cost of a transatlantic trip.
11. Skyline Original Chili
Next, we turn to an Ohio-based icon—Skyline Original Chili. This canned variety brings you a hallmark of Cincinnati-style chili, infused with certain Mediterranean-inspired spices. In stark contrast to the traditional rough-hewn chili, it sports a smooth, almost gravy-like consistency that pairs magnificently with pasta. The flavor profile is layered, intertwining sweetness, tartness, and subtle warmth that will wrap your palate in a mesmerizing experience. Hints of cinnamon and chocolate intermittently peek through, promising a unique symphony on your senses, devoid of any overwhelming spiciness. Whether it's for your chili-topped spaghetti or hot dogs, Skyline Original Chili could add an exotic flair to your menu.
12. Wolf Brand Angus Beef Chili
At twelve, we welcome a cowboy-inspired delight—the Wolf Brand Angus Beef Chili. Taking pride in high-quality Angus beef, this canned chili offers a formidably meaty fix, with chunks of tender, savory meat waiting to thrill you with every spoonful. With tomatoes, chili peppers, and chunky vegetables pooling in an intense sauce, the chili pays a grand homage to the flavors of Western ranches. A hint of sweetness rounds off the spiciness without clouding it, culminating in a fulfilling balance of flavors. Grab a can for your next BBQ or camping trip, and you're sure to evoke some of those cowboy tales around the fire.
13. Stagg Laredo Chili
Sailing into the thirteenth spot with a whiff of smoky allure is the Stagg Laredo Chili. This chili adopts a bold approach to flavor, skirting convention but in a tastefully charming way. Smoke-kissed red and green peppers interplay with beans and beef under a cover of a zesty sauce that commands your attention. The chili is fairly thick, allowing the multiple components to hold their own but also mix to create a beautiful bite. Drizzle it over your hot dogs or tacos, or pair it with some cornbread, and you're up for an exciting culinary adventure.
14. Chilli Man Chili
Window number fourteen opens to Chilli Man Chili, announcing a straightforward, hearty bowl of chili—just the way you want it. Created by Joe DeFrates, the only man to have won the International Chili Society World Championship two times, this chili does not fall short on promises. It displays a balanced dance of meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices, enclosed in an enticing, smoky sauce. Each spoonful relishes richness, hearty warmth, and a delightful heat that quickly grows on you. No frills, no gimmicks—merely a fulfilling bowl of chili, just how a chilli man would make it.
15. Amy's Organic Chili with Vegetables
Last but not least, we have Amy's Organic Chili with Vegetables, a heartening blend of organic red beans and tofu in a traditional Mexican sauce. With a base of organic onions, bell peppers, and rich ripe tomatoes, this meat-free alternative lifts the spirit of any vegetarian spread. The tofu chunks offer a meat-like chewiness while the beans provide a creamy, comforting mouthfeel. A harmony of house spices lends a mild warmth that will please chili novices and aficionados alike. Tuck into this lighter yet satisfying variety on a busy weekday or a cozy weekend, and let Amy's Organic Chili reward you with a wholesome feast.
How to Choose the Best Canned Chili for You?
Choosing the best canned chili for you can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. So many options, so many flavors! However, it doesn't have to be a chore if you consider the following factors:
- Personal Taste: Do you prefer your chili chunky or smooth? Spicy or mild? Chilies come in many varieties, and your personal preference can guide your selection.
- Dietary Needs: Are you following a vegetarian or vegan diet? Or, perhaps, on a low-sodium diet? Many brands cater to these specific dietary needs.
- Bean or No Bean: This is perhaps the fiercest debate in chili circles. Some swear by the added texture and heartiness of beans, while others love the flavor of beans-less chili.
- Brand Reputation: Brands with a good track record usually produce high-quality chilies. Of course, don’t be afraid to try less-known brands – you might discover a hidden gem!
Remember, the best chili is the one that satisfies your palate and meets your dietary needs.
How to Enhance Canned Chili?
Even though the best canned chili is pretty amazing on its own, there are numerous ways to make it even better. Here are some of my favorite tricks to amp up your canned chili:
- Cheese, Please: A sprinkling of shredded cheese on top of your hot chili brings an added layer of creaminess and flavor. From sharp cheddar to mild Monterey Jack, the cheese world is your oyster!
- Add Freshness with Herbs: Fresh herbs can do wonders to a can of chili. Think fresh cilantro, chopped scallions, or even a dash of dried oregano.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add your favorite hot sauce, chopped jalapenos, or crushed red pepper flakes to your chili.
- Make It a Meal: Serve your chili over a bed of rice or spaghetti, or use it as a topping for hot dogs or nachos.
Experiment with these suggestions to find your perfect blend. Remember, canned chili is not just for those winter nights anymore! You can have a sumptuous comfort meal, loaded with flavors, in a matter of minutes with the best canned chili.
Also Read: Best Cheeses For Chili
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best canned chili?
It's subjective as everyone's palate varies. However, some popular and highly rated choices include Hormel Chili, Nalley Cheddar Cheese Chili with Beans, and Dennison's Original Chili Con Carne.
Is canned chili healthy for consumption?
Yes, canned chili can form part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Many brands offer high protein and fiber content, although, it's advisable to check sodium content as some options may be high.
Can eating canned chili alone be a complete meal?
Yes, canned chili can be a standalone meal due to its mix of protein and fiber content from the meat and beans. However, it is often more satisfying and nutritionally balanced when paired with a carbohydrate such as rice, bread, or pasta.
How is canned chili best served?
Canned chili is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It can be eaten straight out of the can, paired with cornbread, used as a topping for hot dogs or nachos, or incorporated into recipes like chili mac.
Does canned chili need to be heated before consuming?
Yes, canned chili is always better when heated up. It's already cooked, so heating it in a pot on the stove until hot, or in the microwave, is enough.
What is the shelf life of canned chili?
Most canned chili will have a best-by date on the can which is typically 2-5 years from the date of manufacturing. However, if stored correctly, canned chili can last beyond this date.
Is canned chili safe for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, there are many canned chili options available in the market for people with various dietary restrictions. For vegetarians, there are options like Amy's Organic Vegetarian Chili. For those after lower fat choices, Dennison's Turkey Chili is a good pick.
Can I improve the taste of canned chili?
Absolutely! You can add extra ingredients or seasoning like grated cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, or hot sauce to enhance the taste according to your preference.
Conclusion
All things considered, each of the canned chilis mentioned above holds a unique flavor and charm for lovers of this delicious, comforting dish. Whether you prefer a vegan chili or a meaty, bean-filled concoction, you can be confident that there's a perfect canned chili out there to satiate your cravings without the hours of simmering and stirring.
Don't miss out on these handpicked varieties of the best canned chili, each offering a dish that's ready to steal the show at your dinner table with minimal fuss and ultimate flavor. It's high time to experience the unparalleled convenience and exceptional taste offered by these canned delights. Happy chili hunting!
