San'S Five Bean Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring a mix of beans, ground meats, and bold spices—perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef or turkey ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 4 to 5 minced jalapeno peppers
- 1 (28 oz.) can kitchen ready tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz. can dark red kidney beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. can light red kidney beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. can pinto or baked beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. can black-eyed peas ⓘ
- 16 oz. can garbanzo beans ⓘ
- 12 oz. beer ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 to 2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until opaque.
- Add ground beef, turkey, and pork; brown thoroughly.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Add tomatoes, beer, and beans; bring to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients including seasonings and optional jalapenos.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Simmer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Monterey Jack cheese, chopped onions or jalapenos.
- Goes well with corn bread!
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and turkey for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with lentils or more beans. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne and jalapenos, or omit them for a milder chili. This recipe can also be adapted to include your favorite vegetables, making it versatile for different dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your San'S Five Bean Chili hot, topped with grated Monterey Jack cheese, chopped onions, or fresh jalapenos for an extra kick. It goes perfectly with a side of Jean'S Mexican Corn Bread for a complete meal. This chili can also be enjoyed on its own or over rice, making it a hearty option for lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until hot. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain its consistency when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of San'S Five Bean Chili contains roughly 1693 calories, with 46g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (327% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (236% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2340mg per serving (102% 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 chili?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for specific beans, feel free to mix and match according to your taste. Black beans, navy beans, or even white beans can be great substitutes. Just ensure to keep the total amount of beans consistent with the original recipe for the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat of your chili, you can add more cayenne pepper or jalapenos. Consider incorporating chopped serrano peppers or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Be sure to taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level without overwhelming the dish.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day! Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving, and enjoy this flavorful dish that can also serve as a meal prep option for busy weeknights.
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).