Mrs. Smith'S Homemade Chili Beans
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying meals with a rich, savory taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck and diced onion in a skillet.
- Add tomato juice to the meat mixture and bring to a simmer.
- Mix flour and chili powder together and sprinkle over the meat mixture.
- Add chili to the amount and kind of beans you desire.
- Add the meat mixture to the beans and cook slowly for about 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chili, you can increase the flour slightly or use cornstarch as a substitute. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Experiment with different beans like black or kidney beans for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chili beans with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Home Chili for a comforting family dinner, and is perfect for game day or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent splattering.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Smith'S Homemade Chili Beans contains roughly 400 calories, with 12g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 900mg per serving (39% 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 beans recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili beans recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground chuck with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for added flavor without meat.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To adjust the spiciness, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and taste as you go. You can always add more later. Additionally, consider including milder beans or omitting spicier ingredients if you're concerned about heat.
What types of beans work best in this recipe?
You can use any beans you prefer, but traditional choices include pinto, kidney, or black beans. Each type adds a unique texture and flavor, allowing you to customize the chili to your liking.
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).