Tex-Mex Two Bean Chili
A hearty Tex-Mex chili packed with two beans, flavorful spices, and tender meat, perfect for satisfying cravings and serving a crowd on chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 large garlic cloves, pressed ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean stew meat, cut in 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bulk hot Italian sausage ⓘ
- 15 oz. can tomato puree ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 14 1/2 oz. can beef broth ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. water ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 4 oz. can diced green chilies ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 15 oz. can pinto beans
- 15 oz. can kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the pinto beans and kidney beans, then rinse them well.
- Heat the olive oil in a 6-quart pan over medium heat.
- Saute chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and pressed garlic for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender.
- Add the stew meat and bulk hot Italian sausage to the pan, stirring to crumble the sausage.
- Cook the mixture for 5 to 6 more minutes until the meat is browned.
- Add tomato puree, tomato paste, beef broth, water, cayenne pepper, chili powder, diced green chilies, salt, ground cumin, and sugar to the pan.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using beef chuck instead of stew meat, as it becomes more tender during cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with textured vegetable protein or mushrooms. Feel free to adjust the spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper. This chili also pairs well with toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese, similar to the Sour Cream Chili Bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tex-Mex Two Bean Chili with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It also makes a fantastic filling for burritos or tacos. For a complete dinner, pair it with a side of South Texas Beans And Rice or a fresh salad. Don't forget to offer toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, or jalapeños for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until hot, but be sure to cover the container to prevent splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tex-Mex Two Bean Chili contains roughly 1028 calories, with 36g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (148% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (145% of the Daily Value), and iron (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1773mg per serving (77% 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 dried beans?
Yes, using canned beans is a great time-saver! Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the chili. Canned beans are already cooked, so you can add them later in the cooking process, allowing them to heat through while the flavors meld.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. Just remember to taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. You can also top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for extra richness, making it a versatile dish that fits well with many accompaniments.
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).