Easy-made chili beans recipe

If you’re looking for a chili beans recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or game nights, you’ve come to the right place.

This dish combines tender beans, savory ground meat, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices for a warming, satisfying bowl of goodness.

The best part? You can easily make it in a pot on the stove, in a slow cooker, or even in an Instant Pot.

Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is simple enough to follow yet delicious enough to impress.

Also Check: Easy chili recipe stovetop

Let’s get started…

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic pot of chili beans:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
2 cups beef broth

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat

In a large pot or non-stick Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Using a silicone spatula set makes stirring easier and prevents scratching your cookware.

3. Add the Spices

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir well so the spices coat the meat and vegetables evenly.

4. Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth

Pour in all the beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer for Flavor

Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you’re using a slow cooker, you can cook it on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours for an even richer flavor.

6. Taste and Serve

Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice.

Read More: Simple baked beans recipe

Tips for the Best Chili Beans Recipe

Use fresh spices – The fresher your spices, the bolder your flavor.
Make it vegetarian – Skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead.
Add depth – A teaspoon of cocoa powder or a splash of brewed coffee can give chili an earthy richness.
Meal prep friendly – Chili tastes even better the next day, so make a big batch and store in airtight glass containers for easy reheating.

Suggested Amazon Products for Making Chili Beans

Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Perfect for cooking chili evenly and keeping it warm.
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker – Great for set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatula Set – Heat-resistant and ideal for stirring thick chili.
Pyrex Glass Food Storage Containers – Keeps leftovers fresh without absorbing odors.

Chili Beans Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use canned beans for chili?
Yes, canned beans are a time-saver and work perfectly in chili. Just drain and rinse them before adding to remove excess sodium.

2. Can I make chili beans without meat?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan version. You can add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more texture.

3. How can I make my chili thicker?
If your chili is too watery, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer. You can also mash a few beans in the pot to naturally thicken the sauce.

4. What is the best meat for chili beans?
Ground beef is the classic choice, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef for a different flavor profile.

5. Can I make chili beans in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the meat and vegetables using the sauté function, add the rest of the ingredients, then pressure cook for 15 minutes and let it naturally release.

6. How long does chili beans last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, chili will last up to 4–5 days in the refrigerator.

7. Can I freeze chili beans?
Yes, chili freezes very well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

8. What toppings go well with chili?
Popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, jalapeños, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.

9. Can I make it spicier?
Definitely! Add extra cayenne pepper, diced fresh chili peppers, or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.

10. What side dishes pair best with chili beans?

Cornbread, rice, tortilla chips, baked potatoes, and coleslaw are all great pairings.

Read More: Red Beans and Rice Recipe Crockpot