Minimal work is required, but busy day chili tastes like you cooked all day.

In short, it saves the day.

And on top of that, folks can make it a bit more personal with their own toppings.

Southern Living Busy Day Chili in a bowl to serve topped with sour cream and cheese

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Costen King; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

We’ve streamlined the spices and ingredients so there’s no need to fiddle or fuss.

The seasoning packet takes the guesswork out and actually results in a flavorful, hearty meal.

Learn how to make busy day chili.

Southern Living Busy Day Chili ingredients

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Costen King; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Recipe Tips From TheSouthern LivingTest Kitchen

Ingredients

2Tbsp.olive oil

1lb.90/10lean ground beef

1medium(8-oz.

)yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)

1medium(6-oz.

)poblano chile, chopped (1 cup)

1(16-oz.

Southern Living Busy Day Chili cooking the beef

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Costen King; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

)can dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1(10-oz.

)can seasoned diced tomatoes and green chiles(such as Rotel Chili Fixins)

1(8-oz.

)can tomato sauce

1cupchicken stock

1(1.25-oz.

Southern Living Busy Day Chili adding the onion and pepper to the beef

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Costen King; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Simmer chili:

Bring to a vigorous simmer over high.

Reduce heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Southern Living Busy Day Chili stirring the rest of the ingredients into the chili

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Costen King; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Southern Living Busy Day Chili after simmering the chili

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Costen King; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Southern Living Busy Day Chili in the pot ready to serve

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Costen King; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley