Chili beans are a classic comfort food that warms the soul and fills the belly. Making chili beans from scratch is easier than you might think, and the result is a rich, hearty dish full of bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a game day gathering, or just craving something cozy, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step with simple ingredients and easy techniques.
What Are Chili Beans?
Chili beans typically consist of beans cooked in a spicy, tomato-based sauce with ground beef and a blend of seasonings. The beans absorb the flavors of the meat and spices, creating a deliciously thick and satisfying meal. While some chili recipes skip beans, chili beans celebrate them as the star of the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need to make chili beans from scratch:
– Ground beef (about 2 pounds)
– Onion (1 medium, diced)
– Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced)
– Bell pepper (1, diced)
– Jalapeños (2-3, diced, adjust for heat preference)
– Kidney beans (2 cans, drained and rinsed, or 1 pound dried beans cooked)
– Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
– Diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
– Tomato sauce (8 ounces)
– Diced green chilies (4 ounces)
– Spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt
– Water or beef broth (about 2 cups)
Feel free to customize the peppers and spice levels to your liking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Browning the beef well gives your chili a deep, savory flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onions, jalapeños, and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
3. Add the Beans and Tomatoes
Pour in the drained kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Season Your Chili Beans
Now it’s time to add the spices. Use about:
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1/2 tablespoon cumin
– 1/2 tablespoon oregano
– 1/2 tablespoon paprika
– 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
Mix well so the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour in 2 cups of water or beef broth to loosen the mixture. Stir everything together, cover the pot with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let your chili beans simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking melds the flavors and thickens the sauce.
6. Taste and Adjust
After simmering, taste your chili beans and adjust seasoning if needed. If it’s too thick, add a little more water or broth. If you want more heat, add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños.
Tips for Perfect Chili Beans
– Use dried beans for best texture: Soak and cook dried beans before adding them to your chili for a firmer bite and richer flavor.
– Drain and rinse canned beans: This removes excess starch and prevents your chili from becoming too thick or gummy.
– Brown your meat well: Don’t rush this step—it adds a lot of depth to the final dish.
– Simmer low and slow: This allows flavors to develop fully and the sauce to thicken nicely.
– Customize your spice blend: Feel free to add cayenne pepper for heat or a pinch of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Chili beans are fantastic served with:
– Cornbread or warm tortillas
– Shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions as toppings
– A side of rice or baked potatoes
They also freeze well, making great leftovers for busy days.
Making chili beans from scratch is a rewarding cooking adventure that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with hearty goodness. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a comforting meal that’s perfect any time of year.
Enjoy your homemade chili beans!