Can Can Chili
Can Can Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring a medley of beans and tomatoes, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for both casual and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz.) can Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can dark red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole, peeled tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- dash of barbecue sauce ⓘ
- dash of Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- dash of V-8 juice ⓘ
- dash of white or red wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain and rinse all beans, except for pork and beans.
- In a 6-quart pan, heat the olive oil.
- Add the chopped garlic and chopped onion.
- Cook for 3 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the cans of beans, chopped tomatoes with juice, and corn to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Add a dash of barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, V-8 juice, and white or red wine.
- Lower the heat, stir occasionally, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve by itself or over white rice.
- Optional: sprinkle sharp Cheddar cheese and/or tortilla chips and broil until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for some heat. If you're short on time, canned beans can be substituted with frozen beans, just make sure to thaw them first. For a different twist, consider using white beans instead of pork and beans to keep the dish lighter. Pairing with a dollop of sour cream can also elevate the taste.
Serving Suggestions
This chili is delicious on its own, but serving it over white rice adds a nice texture. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with cornbread or a fresh green salad. It also pairs beautifully with the Favorite Dip for a fun appetizer spread if serving at a gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Can Can Chili contains roughly 1927 calories, with 38g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), protein (77% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 885mg per serving (38% 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! Simply replace the pork and beans with an additional can of one of the other beans or use a meat substitute. You can also enhance the dish with more vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the heat, start with milder beans and add spices gradually. Consider incorporating chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste. For a milder option, try sweet paprika or omit spicy elements entirely. Adjusting the dash of barbecue sauce can also modify the flavor profile.
What kind of cheese works best for topping?
Sharp Cheddar cheese is a great choice for topping this chili, as it melts nicely and adds a rich flavor. However, you can also try Monterey Jack for a milder taste or Pepper Jack if you want to add some heat. Grated cheese can be broiled on top for a delicious finish.
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).