Becky'S Chili Beans
Becky's Chili Beans is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef, savory tomatoes, and kidney beans, seasoned with chili powder, oregano, basil, and cumin. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a comforting, spicy taste that appeals to all chili lovers. Ideal for make-ahead meals and leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 qt. canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb.) cans kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until all red disappears, keeping beef in small chunks.
- Pour off excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and ground cumin. Mix well.
- Cook, stirring until onion and green pepper are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in sugar, salt, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, breaking up tomatoes with a fork.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors are blended, about 1 hour.
- Add kidney beans and simmer covered for about 15 minutes, or until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier chili, consider adding diced carrots or celery along with the onions and peppers. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or using a spicier chili powder. If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to use them instead of canned for a fresh taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions add great flavor. It also pairs beautifully with Skillet Squash for a delightful side. For a lighter option, consider a side salad or some tortilla chips for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chili on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it loosely to prevent splattering. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Becky'S Chili Beans contains roughly 437 calories, with 29g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (160% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (138% of the Daily Value), and calcium (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 564mg per serving (25% 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 chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground chuck with a mix of lentils, black beans, and chopped vegetables to create a robust flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for simmering, and ensure your canned tomatoes and sauces are vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños or habaneros. You can also include a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. Consider using a spicy variety of canned tomatoes for an extra kick.
How do I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce it. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the chili and cook until thickened. Adding more tomato paste can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
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).