Chili Beans Recipe

Picture a steaming pot of chili beans on a cool evening, the rich aroma of cumin and chili powder filling the air.

This cozy Mexican dish is incredibly easy to make and offers a warm, indulgent experience perfect for any night.

As the ingredients meld together, the transformation is magical, turning simple staples into a hearty, flavorful delight.

Let’s bring this comforting chili beans recipe to life and savor every bite.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 Measuring cup
• 1 Can opener

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Chili Beans recipe, follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Take a moment to read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment. This will prevent any surprises during cooking.
2. Prep Time (15 minutes)
   • Min 0-5: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the bell pepper.
   • Min 5-10: Open and drain the cans of kidney beans and black beans.
   • Min 10-15: Measure out the spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper) and the beef broth.
3. Cook Time (1 hour)
   • Min 15-20: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
   • Min 20-30: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
   • Min 30-35: Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
   • Min 35-40: Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
   • Min 40-45: Pour in beef broth and stir in tomato paste until well combined.
   • Min 45-60: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Resting Time (10 minutes)
   • Min 60-70: Remove the chili from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
5. Additional Activities (Optional)
   • During the resting time, you can prepare any optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro.

Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant.

Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.

Stir in diced bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot.

Pour in beef broth and stir in tomato paste until well combined.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Cornbread: Pairing chili beans with cornbread adds a delightful sweetness and complements the hearty flavors.
• Rice: Serve over a bed of white or brown rice to make the meal more filling and absorb the rich sauce.
• Tortilla Chips: Use as a crunchy scoop to enjoy the chili beans in a fun and interactive way.
• Baked Potato: Top a baked potato with chili beans for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Salad: A fresh green salad on the side balances the rich and spicy flavors of the chili beans.

Storage

Store leftover chili beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For long-term storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months, ensuring airtight packaging.

Freezing

To freeze chili beans, cool completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving space for expansion.

Label with the date.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat chili beans, use a stove over low heat or a microwave on medium power.

Stir occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Final Thoughts

Chili beans are a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

The combination of beans, ground beef, and spices creates a flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Preparing this dish is straightforward, and with a little preparation, you can have a satisfying meal ready in just over an hour.

Cooking it a day in advance can enhance the flavors even more.

Don’t forget to customize your chili with toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese for an extra layer of taste. Enjoy your homemade chili beans!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Meat Instead of Ground Beef?

Absolutely, you can substitute ground beef with any meat like turkey, chicken, or pork. Adjust cooking times as needed for different meats. Make certain it’s thoroughly cooked before adding other ingredients for ideal flavor and texture.

Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives for This Chili Recipe?

You can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based protein like textured vegetable protein or crumbled tofu. Confirm you adjust seasoning to taste, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying vegetarian version.

What Can I Substitute for Kidney Beans if I Don’t Have Any?

You can substitute kidney beans with pinto or cannellini beans. They offer a similar texture and absorb flavors well. Make sure you drain and rinse them before use. Adjust seasoning if needed to maintain the desired taste.

How Can I Make This Recipe Suitable for a Slow Cooker?

To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the beef, onions, and garlic in a skillet first. Then transfer everything to the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With Chili Beans?

You’ve got several great options for sides. Consider serving cornbread, a fresh green salad, or rice. You can also include tortilla chips for crunch or a creamy coleslaw to balance the chili’s hearty flavors.

Chili Beans

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 can opener

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant.
• Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
• Stir in diced bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
• Pour in beef broth and stir in tomato paste until well combined.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider cooking the chili a day in advance and storing it in the refrigerator overnight; this allows the flavors to meld together. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Serve with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro for added flavor.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.