Quick Chili Beans
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring tender pinto beans, savory ground beef, and classic spices, perfect for casual gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown diced onions and garlic in a skillet.
- Add ground beef and cook until completely browned; drain off excess grease.
- Add garlic salt and black pepper to taste.
- Wash pinto beans in a colander; drain.
- In a large pot, combine beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili powder.
- Bring to a low boil.
- Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the meat and onion mixture to the beans.
- Simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Stir well and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don't have pinto beans, black beans work well too. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more beans or lentils. This dish pairs beautifully with Cheesy Chili Mac.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili beans with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions can enhance the flavor. This dish is also great for meal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through, for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Chili Beans contains roughly 234 calories, with 13g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1009mg per serving (44% 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 beans instead of dried beans for this recipe?
Yes, canned beans are a great time-saving option. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to your pot, as this helps reduce sodium content and improves the overall flavor of your chili.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add more beans or lentils. You can also include additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.
What can I serve with Quick Chili Beans?
Quick Chili Beans pair well with various sides like rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or add toppings such as avocado, cheese, and sour cream to elevate the meal.
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).