Easy Chili With Beans
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, beans, and a hint of chocolate, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic in olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring until the beef crumbles; drain excess fat.
- Return the beef mixture to the Dutch oven; stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, and the milk chocolate kiss.
- Cook over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add kidney beans and cook until thoroughly heated. Garnish if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer turkey or chicken, lean ground turkey can be a great substitute for the beef. To enhance the heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you’re short on time, canned beans can replace dried ones for quicker preparation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Mom'S Brown Rice for a wholesome touch. Top individual servings with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. This dish also goes well with tortilla chips for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chili With Beans contains roughly 653 calories, with 21g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 494mg per serving (21% 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! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional beans such as black beans or pinto beans. You can also add more vegetables, like zucchini or corn, to enhance the texture and flavor.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To control the spice level, start with less chili powder and gradually add more to taste. You can also include milder peppers or omit the chocolate kiss if you prefer a less sweet flavor. For extra heat, add hot sauce or diced fresh chilies.
Is it necessary to use tomato sauce in this recipe?
While tomato sauce is a key ingredient for the chili base, you can replace it with crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture. Alternatively, tomato paste can be used for a thicker consistency, but you may need to adjust the liquid content.
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).