Mike'S Chili Beans
A hearty chili beans dish featuring seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, and smoky flavors, perfect for casual gatherings and comforting meals with a robust taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season ground beef patties with hamburger seasoning and garlic salt while cooking on a grill until medium done. Chop cooked meat.
- Sauté chopped green pepper and onion in margarine in a large iron skillet on the grill.
- Add the chopped ground beef to the skillet; remove from heat.
- Combine kidney beans, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, bacon grease, molasses, chili powder, red pepper, water, and 1 tablespoon margarine in a mixing bowl.
- Add the mixture to the ground beef in the skillet.
- Simmer on the grill for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika in place of chili powder. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ground beef can be used. You can also substitute the kidney beans with black beans for a different texture. Adjust the level of red pepper according to your spice preference, or omit it for a milder dish. Don't forget to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mike's Chili Beans with warm cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top can enhance the dish. This chili pairs wonderfully with Bessie'S Hamburger Pie for a comforting dinner spread. Don't forget to offer fresh diced onions and jalapeños on the side for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mike'S Chili Beans contains roughly 1223 calories, with 30g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 847mg per serving (37% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily swap the kidney beans for black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas, depending on your preference. Each type will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a combination of sautéed mushrooms and lentils or use a plant-based ground meat substitute. Adjust the cooking time as needed, and ensure that all sauces and seasonings are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I freeze the chili for later use?
Absolutely! Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
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).