Cooking Time & Servings

Montana Creekside Classic Chili - Standard Recipe

You Will Need

  • Montana Creekside Classic Chili Mix
  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 ½ lbs ground chuck*
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth (12 oz.)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp. sugar
  • (optional: ½ tsp. each of salt and freshly ground black pepper)

    *May reduce ground chuck to 1 lb., if preferred

    Here's What You Do

    1. In a 3 or 4-quart pot, heat oil.
    2. Add ground chuck and brown thoroughly over medium to medium-high heat.
    3. Stir in chili mix. Add in broth, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, and sugar.
    4. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
    5. Remove the whole chile pepper.
    6. Serve with garnish of sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced avocado with cornbread on the side.

    Got leftovers? Learn how to cool, store, and reheat soup safely in our guide to soup storage and food safety.

    Cooking & Nutrition Tips

    Use the tips below to customize nutrition, boost flavor, or stretch the soup to fit your needs.

    Reducing Sodium?

    All of our mixes contain no added salt, only what occurs naturally in the ingredients. To further reduce sodium, use a low-sodium broth, bone broth, or stock. Organic broths often contain less sodium, and homemade broth/stock gives you the most control.

    Boosting Protein?

    Increase the meat-to-liquid ratio and use lean ground beef or turkey, add extra beans (kidney, black, or pinto), and use high-protein toppings like Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese. You can also use bone broth for added protein.

    Cutting Calories/Fat?

    To cut fat, prepare with 1 lb. extra lean ground beef, bison, turkey, or go Vegetarian.

    More Veggies?

    To boost vegetables, add 2 cups chopped, mixed red and green peppers and 1 cup chopped, fresh or frozen carrots in the final ten minutes of cooking time.

    Interested in whole grains or extra fiber?

    Try adding 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, brown rice, or barley to simmer in the broth, or by stirring in hearty fiber sources like canned lentils, chia seeds, or additional black beans. Add fiber-rich vegetables (zucchini, carrots), or include a handful of oat-based fiber cereal.

    Serving and Garnish Ideas

    Top your chili with shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and jalapeños. Complement the meal with sides like cornbread, tortilla chips, corn chips, or baked potatoes to soak up the flavor.

    Cooking Methods

    Slow Cooker 

    We do not recommend using a slow cooker due to the short cooking time on the stovetop.

    Pressure Cooker

    We do not recommend using a slow cooker due to the short cooking time on the stovetop.

    Dietary Adaptations

    These mixes are flexible by design. Use the adaptations below to meet your dietary needs or cooking preferences.

    Vegan

    We like the classic chili texture you get when using non-beef crumbles in this recipe.

    You Will Also Need:

    • 1 Tbsp. oil
    • 1 lb. plant-based beef substitute (such as Beyond Beef)
    • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (12 oz.)
    • 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
    • 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
    • 1 tsp. sugar
    • 1/2 tsp. each of salt and freshly ground black pepper

    Here’s What You Do:

    1. In a 3-4-quart pot heat oil.
    2. Crumble and sauté beef-substitute 5 minutes.
    3. Stir in contents of chili mix. Add in tomatoes, broth, vinegar and sugar.
    4. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 15 minutes.
    5. Remove the whole Japonés pepper.
    6. Serve with sliced avocado or cornbread on the side.

    Alternative Vegan Recipe

    You Will Also Need:

    • 1 (6.25-ounce) Frontier Soups Montana Creekside Classic Chili mix
    • 2 ½ cups of vegetable broth (add more broth for desired consistency)
    • 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, in their juices
    • 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, drained
    • 1 cup of dry textured vegetable protein
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

    Vegetarian

    Use your favorite plant-based protein option for this chili

    Gluten Free

    This soup is naturally gluten free when prepared as directed. No special substitutions are needed.

    Dairy Free

    This soup is naturally dairy free when prepared as directed. No special substitutions are needed.

    Recipe Variations

    Looking to switch things up? A few simple tweaks can make this recipe your own.

    Custom Heat Level: Adjust the spice by leaving out the whole chile for a milder chili, or add it during the final half of cooking for a gentle kick.

    Leftover Pork Chili: Swap the beef for chopped or shredded leftover pork tenderloin for a rich, slightly smoky variation. Top bowls with avocado and sour cream for a creamy finish.

    Beef & Sausage Chili: Use 1 lb ground beef and ½ lb spicy sausage for extra depth and a little more heat.

    Chili Night Upgrade: This chili also makes a great topping for Frito chili pie, chili dogs, chili cheeseburgers, or smothered burritos.

    Inspired by our customers. Thanks to L, Judy, and Edda R. for sharing their ideas. Have a favorite twist of your own? Send us an email or leave a review on the product page.