Albuquerque Rail Runner Chili
A hearty, warming chili inspired by the Rail Runner train service, made with affordable pantry staples for a comforting meal. This american-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, (15 oz) can, rinsed kidney beans, (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can, rinsed kidney beans
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until no longer pink and edges are crisp, breaking into small crumbles with a spoon (about 5 minutes).
- Step 2: Add 1 medium onion, finely diced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook until onion is translucent and fragrant (about 3 minutes), stirring to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder and 1 tsp cumin, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic, then add 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, and 1 cup beef broth.
- Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Albuquerque Rail Runner Chili take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Albuquerque Rail Runner Chili?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Albuquerque Rail Runner Chili?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Albuquerque Rail Runner Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Albuquerque Rail Runner Chili?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
