Multi-Bean Chili

This Multi-Bean Chili recipe is a quick and easy way to make a hearty and crowd-pleasing chili using mostly canned ingredients. It’s important to use salt-free varieties of canned goods to control the sodium content of the chili. This recipe combines extra-lean ground beef, sausage, a variety of beans, tomatoes, and flavorful spices to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ pound (225 g) extra-lean ground beef
• ½ pound (225 g) sausage
• 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
• 1 can (15 ounces, or 420 g) no-salt-added kidney beans, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces, or 420 g) no-salt-added black beans, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces, or 420 g) no-salt-added pinto beans, undrained
• 1 can (14 ounces, or 400 g) no-salt-added stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces, or 420 g) no-salt-added tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons (15 g) Salt-Free Mexican Seasoning
• 3 tablespoons (45 g) brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons (23 g) chili powder

PREPARATION:

1. In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the extra-lean ground beef, sausage, and chopped onion together. Drain any excess fat.
2. In a large slow cooker, combine the browned meat mixture, no-salt-added kidney beans, no-salt-added black beans, no-salt-added pinto beans, no-salt-added stewed tomatoes, no-salt-added tomato sauce, Salt-Free Mexican Seasoning, brown sugar, and chili powder. Mix well to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.

YIELD:

• 12 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 146 g water; 368 calories (24% from fat, 23% from protein, 52% from carb)
• 22 g protein; 10 g total fat; 4 g saturated fat; 4 g monounsaturated fat; 1 g polyunsaturated fat
• 49 g carb; 14 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 330 mg phosphorus; 97 mg calcium; 5 mg iron; 204 mg sodium
• 1119 mg potassium; 740 IU vitamin A; 0 mg ATE vitamin E; 12 mg vitamin C; 28 mg cholesterol

This Multi-Bean Chili recipe is a fantastic option when you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to make a satisfying and flavorful chili. With the use of canned ingredients, such as kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce, the preparation time is significantly reduced without compromising on taste.

The combination of extra-lean ground beef and sausage adds a hearty and savory element to the chili. The chopped onions provide a touch of sweetness and texture, while the spices, including the Salt-Free Mexican Seasoning and chili powder, infuse the dish with robust and aromatic flavors. The addition of brown sugar helps balance the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness.

Using a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly convenient. After browning the meat and onions, all the ingredients are combined in the slow cooker, allowing them to simmer and meld together for 8 to 10 hours on low heat. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a rich and satisfying chili.

Each serving of this Multi-Bean Chili provides a good amount of protein (22 grams) and dietary fiber (14 grams), which contribute to feelings of satiety and help maintain steady energy levels. The fiber content also supports digestive health and aids in maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, the chili is relatively low in fat and saturated fat, making it a nutritious option for those watching their fat intake.

With its generous yield of 12 servings, this Multi-Bean Chili is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or meal prepping. It can be served on its own as a complete and filling meal, or paired with toppings such as shredded cheese, diced onions, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

Overall, this Multi-Bean Chili recipe offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a hearty and satisfying chili without spending hours in the kitchen. Its combination of savory meats, beans, tomatoes, and spices creates a flavorful and comforting dish that will please both chili enthusiasts and those new to this classic comfort food.