Blizzard Chili Beans
A hearty, flavorful chili with beans and ground beef, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering smoky, spicy, and savory notes that appeal to all chili lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can white beans ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can water
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, garlic salt, and chopped onions in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the skillet.
- Mix everything well.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5.5 hours.
- Serve hot with corn chips or cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats, such as half beef and half pork. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the kidney beans with chickpeas or lentils if desired. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving to ensure it’s just right.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty chili pairs beautifully with warm cornbread or crispy corn chips for dipping. For a complete meal, serve with a side salad or some steamed vegetables. Feel free to garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It also works well as a filling for burritos or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered bowl until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blizzard Chili Beans contains roughly 1713 calories, with 90g protein, 318g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (357% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (179% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2441mg per serving (106% 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?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or increase the amount of beans for protein. Consider adding chopped bell peppers and zucchini to enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.
How can I thicken the chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans in the mixture or add a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina towards the end of cooking. Let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes to allow the thickening agent to work.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and onions, transfer them to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the flavors meld together beautifully.
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).