Publix Taco Chili: A Simple & Delicious Recipe for a Crowd!

Taco Chili is the perfect comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. And when you leverage the convenience and quality of ingredients from Publix, you’re in for a real treat! This recipe is designed to be simple, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a game day gathering, a casual family dinner, or a potluck. This guide will walk you through creating a delicious Taco Chili using readily available ingredients from your local Publix, with detailed instructions and helpful tips along the way.

## Why Taco Chili from Publix?

Publix is known for its fresh produce, high-quality meats, and a great selection of pantry staples. Shopping there makes it easy to find everything you need for this Taco Chili recipe in one trip. Plus, their customer service is top-notch, so you can always ask for assistance finding specific items or getting recommendations. Here’s why Publix is the perfect place to source your Taco Chili ingredients:

* **Fresh Produce:** Publix offers a wide variety of fresh vegetables, ensuring you get the best flavors for your chili.
* **Quality Meat:** Their meat department provides high-quality ground beef or turkey, which are essential for a flavorful base.
* **Convenient Pantry Staples:** From canned beans to diced tomatoes, Publix has all the pantry essentials you need for a quick and easy chili.
* **Excellent Customer Service:** The friendly staff at Publix can help you find everything you need and offer cooking tips.

## The Ultimate Publix Taco Chili Recipe

This recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor, allowing you to easily adjust it to your preferences. It yields approximately 8-10 servings, making it ideal for a crowd.

**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-40 minutes

**Ingredients You’ll Find at Publix:**

* **Meat:**
* 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 or 90/10) OR Ground Turkey
* **Canned Goods:**
* 1 (15 oz) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 oz) can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (28 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (10 oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, undrained
* 1 (15 oz) can Corn, drained (optional, but adds sweetness)
* 1 (4 oz) can Diced Green Chilies
* 1 (8 oz) can Tomato Sauce
* **Produce:**
* 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
* 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* Optional: 1 Jalapeno Pepper, seeded and minced (for extra heat)
* Optional: Fresh Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
* **Spices & Seasonings:**
* 1 packet Taco Seasoning (Publix brand or your favorite)
* 1 tbsp Chili Powder
* 1 tsp Cumin
* 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
* 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
* 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
* Salt and Black Pepper to taste
* **Other:**
* 2 tbsp Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)
* 1 cup Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth)

**Toppings (also available at Publix):**

* Shredded Cheddar Cheese
* Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Diced Red Onion
* Chopped Green Onions
* Avocado slices
* Tortilla Chips or Fritos
* Salsa
* Hot Sauce

**Equipment:**

* Large Pot or Dutch Oven
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Spoon or Spatula
* Can Opener

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

1. **Prep the Ingredients:** Start by chopping the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeno (if using). Rinse and drain the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and corn (if using). This step ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.

2. **Brown the Meat:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Thoroughly browning the meat is crucial for developing a rich and savory flavor base for your chili.

3. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the browned meat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeno (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing the vegetables releases their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the chili.

4. **Add the Canned Goods and Spices:** Stir in the diced tomatoes, Rotel, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn (if using), and diced green chilies. Add the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Combining the canned goods and spices creates the foundation of the chili’s signature taste.

5. **Simmer the Chili:** Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth). Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and deepen. This is where the magic happens!

6. **Taste and Adjust:** After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or taco seasoning to suit your preferences. This is your chance to customize the chili to your liking.

7. **Serve and Garnish:** Serve the Taco Chili hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced red onion, chopped green onions, avocado slices, tortilla chips, salsa, and hot sauce. The toppings add texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the dish.

## Tips and Variations for Your Taco Chili

* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef or turkey with plant-based crumbles or an extra can of beans. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.
* **Spice it Up:** Add more jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level. Consider using a spicier taco seasoning blend.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables as instructed in steps 2 and 3. Then, transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This is a great option for a hands-off meal.
* **Instant Pot Option:** Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot to brown the meat and sauté the vegetables. Then, add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers of different colors, celery, or even sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.
* **Beans, Beans, the Magical Fruit:** Feel free to swap beans based on your preference. Cannellini beans, great northern beans, or even black-eyed peas can be a tasty addition.
* **Thicken it Up:** If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or use a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the chili during the last few minutes of cooking).
* **Make it Ahead:** Taco Chili is a great make-ahead dish. The flavors actually improve as it sits in the refrigerator overnight. Simply reheat it before serving.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Publix Advantage:** Check the Publix weekly ad for deals on ingredients like ground beef, canned goods, and produce. You can save even more money by planning your shopping trip around the sales.

## Serving Suggestions

Taco Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve it in bowls with your favorite toppings for a satisfying and complete meal.
* **Over Rice:** Spoon it over a bed of cooked rice for a heartier meal.
* **On Baked Potatoes:** Top baked potatoes with Taco Chili and your favorite toppings for a delicious twist on classic chili.
* **As a Nacho Topping:** Use it as a topping for nachos, along with shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
* **In Taco Salads:** Add it to taco salads for a flavorful and protein-packed addition.
* **Chili Dogs:** Spoon it over hot dogs for a simple and delicious chili dog.

## Publix Shopping List Checklist

To make your Publix shopping trip even easier, here’s a handy checklist:

**Meat:**

* [ ] 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 or 90/10) OR Ground Turkey

**Canned Goods:**

* [ ] 1 (15 oz) can Black Beans
* [ ] 1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans
* [ ] 1 (15 oz) can Pinto Beans
* [ ] 1 (28 oz) can Diced Tomatoes
* [ ] 1 (10 oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
* [ ] 1 (15 oz) can Corn (optional)
* [ ] 1 (4 oz) can Diced Green Chilies
* [ ] 1 (8 oz) can Tomato Sauce

**Produce:**

* [ ] 1 large Yellow Onion
* [ ] 1 Green Bell Pepper
* [ ] 2 cloves Garlic
* [ ] 1 Jalapeno Pepper (optional)
* [ ] Fresh Cilantro (optional)

**Spices & Seasonings:**

* [ ] 1 packet Taco Seasoning
* [ ] 1 tbsp Chili Powder
* [ ] 1 tsp Cumin
* [ ] 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
* [ ] 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
* [ ] 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional)
* [ ] Salt and Black Pepper

**Other:**

* [ ] 2 tbsp Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)
* [ ] 1 cup Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth)

**Toppings (Optional):**

* [ ] Shredded Cheddar Cheese
* [ ] Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* [ ] Diced Red Onion
* [ ] Chopped Green Onions
* [ ] Avocado slices
* [ ] Tortilla Chips or Fritos
* [ ] Salsa
* [ ] Hot Sauce

## Conclusion

This Publix Taco Chili recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a comforting meal. With readily available ingredients and simple instructions, you can easily whip up a batch for your next gathering or family dinner. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and toppings to create your own signature Taco Chili masterpiece. Enjoy! With the quality and convenience of Publix, you can be sure that your Taco Chili will be a hit every time.