Quick Chili With Beans
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with beans, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings and suitable for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onions, and shortening in a large pot.
- Add salt, chili powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper if desired.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red kidney beans.
- Bring to a bubbly boil, then reduce heat.
- Simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning some garlic along with the onions. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you want to spice it up, add a few diced jalapeños. Canned tomatoes can be swapped with fresh tomatoes, just ensure to peel and chop them first. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the taste as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chili with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with Pat'S Picante Pintos for a delicious spread. Consider serving a simple side salad to balance the richness of the chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in a bowl, covered loosely, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Chili With Beans contains roughly 850 calories, with 18g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2395mg per serving (104% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the ground chuck with a plant-based meat alternative or simply using more beans and vegetables. You might also want to add extra spices to enhance the flavor since you’ll be missing the meat.
How can I thicken the chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I freeze the chili?
Yes, this chili freezes very well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stove or 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).