Stan'S Chili With Beans
A hearty chili loaded with beef, sausage, beans, and bold spices, perfect for satisfying a crowd and ideal for casual gatherings or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. hot smoked sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground oregano ⓘ
- 2 (28 oz.) cans whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped ⓘ
- 3 (16 oz.) cans kidney and/or black beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. catsup ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven; cook until browned and crumbled.
- Add spices to tomato and bean juice, mix well, and add to the meat mixture.
- Simmer for 1 hour.
- Add beans and simmer for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef and sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of the meat juices. Adjust the heat level by using milder or spicier sausage, or by adding more hot sauce. For a thicker chili, increase the flour slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Stan's Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, diced onions, or fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad. This hearty chili is also perfect for game day gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and it will last for about 3 months. When reheating, warm it in a pot over medium heat or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stan'S Chili With Beans contains roughly 911 calories, with 33g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1146mg per serving (50% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! Stan's Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the spice level, start with half the recommended hot sauce and taste before adding more. If you want it milder, use sweet or mild sausage and reduce the chili powder. For extra heat, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
What type of beans work best for this recipe?
Kidney beans are traditional in chili, but black beans also add a nice flavor and texture. You can use canned or cooked beans; just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the chili. Feel free to mix different beans for added variety.
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).