California Chili Beans

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

California Chili Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender pinto beans with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and chili spices. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a comforting taste of classic American chili with a southwestern twist. Can be prepared ahead and frozen for convenience.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. dry pinto beans
  • 3 1/2 cups water
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green sweet pepper, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 can tomatoes, cut up
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Sort and rinse the dry pinto beans.
  2. Cook the beans until tender, either on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
  3. Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned.
  4. Drain off excess fat from the cooked beef.
  5. Add cooked beef, chopped onion, chopped green sweet pepper, chopped jalapeno pepper (if using), tomatoes, chili powder, and salt to the cooked beans; stir well.
  6. Cook the mixture until the flavors are well combined and heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

225 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10g 20% DV
Total Fat 12.4g 16% DV
Carbs 25.4g 9% DV
Fiber 10.7g 38% DV
Sugar 4.4g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 10606.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 747.3mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 17.8mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 400mcg 44% DV
Vitamin C 44.4mg 49% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 115.5mg 9% DV
Iron 5.8mg 32% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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).

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).

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