Albuquerque Rail Runner Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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.

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