Baked Chili Beans
Hearty baked chili beans combine savory ground beef, bacon, and tomatoes with bold chili flavors, perfect for comfort food lovers and family dinners alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. kidney beans ⓘ
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves, diced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 15 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 15 oz. stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks ⓘ
- 1/2 c. parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 dash Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
Instructions
- Barely cover beans with water after dinner.
- Drain and replace the water before bedtime.
- In the morning, bring the beans to a boil and boil for 2 minutes.
- Pour off the water; refill with fresh water, adding salt and baking soda.
- Simmer until almost done, or let soak until 4 hours before dinner.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you're short on time, you can use canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained, instead of dried. Adjust the chili powder to taste; add in some cayenne if you prefer a spicier kick. This dish also works well with ground turkey for a lighter version, making it a versatile choice in your beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked chili beans with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Sliders(This One Is Great For Kids) for a fun family dinner, allowing everyone to enjoy a variety of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. If the beans appear dry, add a splash of water or broth when reheating to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chili Beans contains roughly 642 calories, with 40g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (139% of the Daily Value), iron (112% of the Daily Value), and protein (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or crumbled tempeh. You can also enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
How can I thicken the chili beans?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or an immersion blender, stirring them back into the mixture. Alternatively, simmer the chili uncovered for a longer time to allow excess liquid to evaporate, achieving a thicker sauce.
Can I freeze baked chili beans?
Absolutely! Allow the baked chili beans to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and enjoy a quick meal any time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).