Beenie Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, beans, and tomato-based sauces, perfect for family dinners and loved by kids. Easy to prepare and customize.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat in a skillet and drain the excess grease.
- Add chopped onion, tomato soup, tomato sauce, water, drained red beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, optionally with crackers or cornbread muffins.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you want a healthier option, use lean ground turkey instead of hamburger meat. You can also substitute the red beans with black beans or kidney beans based on your preference. For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of water or let it simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Beenie Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread muffins or crackers for a delightful crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or browse more American recipes for additional side dish ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chili on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even heating. For longer storage, consider freezing the chili for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beenie Chili contains roughly 443 calories, with 12g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2671mg per serving (116% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, Beenie Chili can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the hamburger meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Ensure that the tomato soup and sauce are vegetarian-friendly as well. This way, you can still enjoy a hearty chili without the meat.
What can I do if my chili is too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a bit longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix in a cornstarch slurry or add a small amount of instant mashed potatoes to absorb excess liquid.
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).