Chili Beans Recipe
Craving a hearty and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this homemade chili beans recipe! Packed with protein-rich beans, vibrant spices, and a rich tomato base, this comfort food favorite is a perfect go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether you’re vegetarian or a meat lover, this recipe is fully customizable to your taste. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and ideal for feeding a crowd. In just under an hour, you’ll have a warm bowl of chili beans ready to impress your family or guests with its bold flavors and nourishing ingredients.
Ingredients Of Chili Beans Recipe
Why You Will Love This Chili Beans Recipe
This chili beans recipe is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. It’s quick to prepare, made with pantry staples, and offers a rich, smoky flavor profile. Whether served on its own, over rice, or with tortilla chips, it’s a versatile dish that fits many diets. It’s high in protein, fiber, and comforting goodness—ideal for cold nights, potlucks, or weekly meal planning. Plus, the one-pot simplicity means less cleanup and more time to enjoy!
Preparation Process Of Chili Beans Recipe
Preparing chili beans begins with sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic to build the flavor base. If using meat, it’s browned before combining it with beans, tomatoes, and spices. Everything simmers together, allowing the spices to infuse into the broth and beans. In about 30–40 minutes, the mixture thickens to a perfect consistency, bursting with robust flavor and ready to serve.
Step By Step Instructions
Sauté Onions & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Brown the Meat (Optional): Add ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Beans & Tomatoes: Stir in kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix until well combined.
Season the Chili: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to coat the ingredients evenly with spices.
Pour in Broth & Simmer: Add vegetable or beef broth and toss in a bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish & Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
How to Serve?
- In a bowl with shredded cheese and sour cream
- Over steamed rice
- With cornbread on the side
- As a topping for baked potatoes
- In a tortilla wrap with fresh veggies
Tips & Variations
Use canned or freshly cooked beans based on preference.
Skip the meat for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Add corn or bell peppers for extra texture.
Choose smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 6g
Recipe Card
Chili Beans Recipe
Course: Banana Bread Recipe1
servings10
minutes40
minutes320
kcalThis chili beans recipe is the ultimate comfort food, blending the heartiness of three types of beans with savory tomatoes, aromatic spices, and optional ground meat. Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners, game days, or meal prep. Enjoy it on its own or as a topping, and customize it with your favorite veggies and spice levels. It’s delicious, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying—ideal for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. One bite and you’ll know why it’s a staple in so many kitchens!
Ingredients
Olive oil
Chopped onion
Minced garlic
Ground beef or turkey (optional)
Kidney beans
Pinto beans
Black beans
Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Tomato paste
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Vegetable or beef broth
Bay leaf
Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Directions
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Brown the Meat (Optional): Add ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Beans & Tomatoes: Stir in kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix until well combined.
- Season the Chili: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to coat the ingredients evenly with spices.
- Pour in Broth & Simmer: Add vegetable or beef broth and toss in a bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use low-sodium canned beans to better control the salt content.
- Rinse and drain beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and starch.
- For a thicker chili, mash a portion of the beans or let it simmer longer uncovered.
- Make it ahead—flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge.
- Freeze in batches for up to 3 months; ideal for meal prep.
FAQs
Conclusion
This easy chili beans recipe is a must-have in your cooking repertoire. It’s warm, flavorful, and versatile enough to suit any palate or dietary need. With a simple cooking process and customizable ingredients, you can make it your own every time. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or something to warm your soul on a cold day, chili beans are the answer. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a household favorite!
