Red Bean Chili
A hearty and flavorful red bean chili with seasoned ground meat, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for chili lovers and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat or deer meat in a pan and drain well.
- Add chili seasoning and fry until the onions are clear.
- Boil the dry red beans until they start to crack open.
- Add the tomato sauce, cooked meat mixture, and Ro-Tel tomatoes to the beans.
- Stir in parsley flakes and minced garlic.
- Add cayenne pepper and salt to taste.
- Simmer on low to medium heat until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Smash the beans on the side of the pot when stirring to help make it creamy.
Tips & Substitutions
For an added depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika or chipotle powder in place of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute ground meat with lentils or textured vegetable protein. Soaking the dry red beans overnight can also reduce cooking time and enhance their creaminess when mashed against the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Red Bean Chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an exciting twist, serve it over rice or with tortilla chips for a hearty snack. Don’t forget to explore more American recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Red Bean Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Bean Chili contains roughly 138 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1310mg per serving (57% 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 dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned red beans for convenience. If you do, reduce the cooking time and add them after browning the meat. Just be sure to rinse and drain them to remove excess sodium.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños. You can also use hot chili seasoning blends or top the chili with sliced fresh peppers before serving.
What can I serve with Red Bean Chili?
This dish pairs well with cornbread, rice, or a fresh green salad. For a fun twist, serve it with tortilla chips or over baked potatoes for a filling 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).