5 Easy Chili Recipes with Chili Beans

5 Easy Chili Recipes with Chili Beans

Chili is a timeless dish known for its hearty, spicy warmth, perfect for gatherings or simply a cozy family meal. Adding chili beans into the mix not only provides a delightful texture but also packs a nutritional punch, making this dish even more appealing. Let’s dive into five easy chili recipes where chili beans play a starring role.

1. Classic Chili Con Carne with Chili Beans

This traditional recipe is a must-have in any home cook’s collection.

• Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1-2 tbsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until translucent.
2. Add the ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks until browned.
3. Stir in chili beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

2. Vegetarian Chili with Quinoa and Chili Beans

This recipe is for those seeking a hearty chili without meat.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• Vegetable broth as needed

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, sauté onions and bell pepper until soft.
3. Add tomatoes, chili beans, black beans, corn, cooked quinoa, spices, and enough broth to achieve desired consistency.
4. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Spicy White Bean Chili with Chicken

A delightful twist on traditional chili that brings some freshness with white beans.

• Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.
2. Add white beans, chili beans, green chilies, chicken, broth, and spices.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.

4. Black Bean Chili

Black beans are the star here, offering a rich, earthy flavor.

• Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until tender.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes

This healthier chili uses sweet potatoes for natural sweetness.

• Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Brown turkey in oil, then set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook onion, garlic, and sweet potatoes until potatoes start to soften.
3. Add back the turkey, along with beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Simmer for 40 minutes.

Chili is not just about the ingredients; it's about the warmth it brings to the table. Each of these recipes showcases chili beans, providing a base for flavor and nutrition. They can be enjoyed on their own or served over rice, with cornbread, or topped with avocado, sour cream, or cheese to suit your taste.

In conclusion, these five easy chili recipes with chili beans offer a range of flavors and textures, from the traditional meat-based versions to innovative vegetarian and health-conscious options. Whether you're a fan of spicy or prefer a milder taste, these recipes cater to all, ensuring everyone can enjoy the comforting delight that is chili.

Can I make these chili recipes vegetarian?

+

Yes, all recipes can be made vegetarian by substituting meat with additional beans or plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh.

How can I adjust the spiciness?

+

Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of chili powder or adding fresh or canned chilies to taste. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder or use a mix of sweet paprika and cumin.

Can these chilies be made ahead of time?

+

Yes, chili actually tastes better when reheated as the flavors have more time to blend together. These recipes can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.