This Old House Chili Beans
A hearty, sweet and savory chili with beans, bacon, and ground beef, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute diced onion in butter until tender.
- Stir in brown sugar until well mixed.
- Combine beans, catsup, ground beef, bacon, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot pepper sauce in a large saucepan.
- Stir in the onion mixture until well combined.
- Cover and simmer over low heat until the meat is cooked, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Refrigerate overnight to blend flavors.
- Reheat before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using diced bell peppers or adding a pinch of smoked paprika. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef and bacon with mushrooms or tempeh. You can also adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar, or try using maple syrup for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread for a comforting meal, or pair it with a fresh salad for a lighter option. It also makes a great filling for tacos or burritos. If you're entertaining, consider serving it alongside a batch of Skillet Beef-N-Beans for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of This Old House Chili Beans contains roughly 314 calories, with 10g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, canned pinto beans are a great time-saver. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the recipe to reduce sodium content and improve texture.
How can I make this chili spicier?
You can increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or add diced jalapeños or other fresh peppers to the mix for extra heat. For a unique twist, try incorporating some chipotle powder.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
While it's not mandatory, refrigerating the chili overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. If you're short on time, you can enjoy it right after cooking, but the flavors will be even better after resting.
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).