Lorene'S Pinto Chili Beans
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring tender pinto beans, seasoned ground beef, and a spicy tomato sauce blend, perfect for family dinners and chili lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pinto beans slowly until tender, keeping them whole.
- Set the cooked beans aside without stirring too much.
- Cook the hamburger until browned, then set aside.
- Cook the chopped onions until translucent.
- Combine tomato sauce, tomato soup, chili powder, Texas Pete hot sauce, salt, sugar, and cooked hamburger in a pot.
- Cook the mixture on low heat.
- Drain all but 1 cup of bean water and set aside to use if the mixture becomes too dry.
- Add the cooked beans and other ingredients into the bean pot and stir gently.
- Cook on low for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider sautéing some garlic with the onions. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with textured vegetable protein or lentils. If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne. Ensure you soak the beans overnight for quicker cooking and better digestibility.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over rice for a heartier meal. For a fresh side, consider serving Joe'S Wilted Lettuce for a delightful contrast. Enjoy with tortilla chips for added crunch!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or reserved bean water to maintain moisture and prevent sticking. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lorene'S Pinto Chili Beans contains roughly 290 calories, with 10g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1159mg per serving (50% 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 use canned pinto beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time. Rinse and drain the beans, then skip the soaking and initial cooking steps. Just add them to the chili mixture and simmer until heated through.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or hot sauce. You could also include diced green chilies or fresh jalapeños. Adjust according to your taste preference for a perfect kick!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner alternatives. For a vegetarian option, consider mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
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).