Matt'S Chili Beans
A hearty chili beans dish with savory beef, kidney beans, and bold spices, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat, diced onion, and diced green pepper in a skillet.
- Add the kidney beans, chili powder, garlic salt, vinegar, and tomato paste to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger meat for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based meat or omit the meat entirely and add more beans or veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Matt's Chili Beans hot, garnished with shredded cheese or sour cream for added creaminess. This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or over rice. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with tortilla chips for dipping. It also makes a great filling for burritos or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; just remember to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Matt'S Chili Beans contains roughly 740 calories, with 34g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and protein (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 602mg per serving (26% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the hamburger meat, onion, and green pepper first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully over a longer cooking time.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier chili powder blend or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the spiciness to your preference, keeping in mind that it’s easy to add more, but hard to take it out once it’s in.
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute black beans, pinto beans, or even white beans for a different flavor and texture. Mixing different beans can also enhance the nutritional profile of the dish, making it more colorful and interesting.
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).