Stan'S Chilli Beans
A hearty chili packed with ground beef, sausage, beans, and bold spices, perfect for satisfying a crowd and ideal for cozy gatherings or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and sausage in a large skillet; drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned meat to a large cooker.
- Add undrained diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, oregano, and zesty tomatoes with green chili to the cooker.
- Stir in drained kidney beans, pinto beans, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and black and red pepper.
- Stir well and cook on high for about 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute ground turkey for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. Experiment with different beans, such as black beans or chickpeas, to mix up the flavor profile. If you have leftover chili powder, it works great in recipes like Bill'S "Warm Your Belly Chili".
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a crisp side salad or some roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for game day or a family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions, which can last up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stan'S Chilli Beans contains roughly 1018 calories, with 53g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), protein (106% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1019mg 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 make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by replacing the ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or simply using more beans and vegetables. Consider adding mushrooms or lentils for added texture and protein.
How can I thicken the chili?
To thicken the chili, you can let it simmer uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans and stir them back into the mixture, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to achieve your desired consistency.
Is it necessary to drain the beans?
Yes, draining the beans helps to control the saltiness and consistency of the chili. If you prefer a thicker chili, draining the beans is especially important as the liquid from the beans can make it too watery.
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).