Meaty Chili With Beans
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners that satisfy with bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 large onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (19-oz.) can kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (10-3/4 oz.) can tomato soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3 drops hot sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, chopped onions, chopped celery, and minced garlic in a Dutch oven; cook until beef is browned, stirring to crumble the meat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the kidney beans, tomato soup, water, chili powder, salt, ground cumin, pepper, and hot sauce to the pot.
- Cover and reduce heat; simmer for 1 hour, stirring frequently.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of beer or beef broth instead of water. If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the hot sauce or add diced jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Canned beans can be swapped for cooked dry beans; just ensure they are tender before adding.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Hamburger Hash for a comforting dinner or can be enjoyed with tortilla chips for a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, transfer to freezer-safe containers and enjoy within 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meaty Chili With Beans contains roughly 177 calories, with 9g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (107% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the meat and vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, hands-off meal.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
You can replace kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer. Each type of bean will bring a different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what you have on hand.
How can I thicken my chili?
If you find your chili too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the chili, cooking for an additional few minutes until it thickens.
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).