Chili beans are a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of baked beans with a mild chili twist. This recipe is the perfect balance between comfort food and a satisfying chili meal. With the addition of ground beef, it takes on a heartier texture and flavor that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, chili beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound (455 g) pinto beans
- 1 cup (160 g) sliced onion
- 1 tablespoon (13 g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups (360 g) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, smashed
- 4 ounces (115 g) green chilies
- 5 slices low-sodium bacon
- 1 pound (455 g) lean ground beef
PREPARATIONS:
- Wash the pinto beans thoroughly.
- Place the beans in a large pan and cover them with water.
- Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for 10 minutes.
- Cover the pan and let the beans simmer for 30 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the beans to sit for 1½ hours.
- In a slow cooker, mix the sliced onion, sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and bacon.
- Drain the cooked beans and add them to the tomato mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Before serving, brown the ground beef in a separate pan and then add it to the beans.
YIELD: 8 servings
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- The pinto beans need to be pre-soaked and cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Browning the ground beef before adding it to the beans enhances its flavor and texture.
TIPS:
- Serve the chili beans over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Pair the chili beans with freshly baked cornbread for a classic combination of flavors.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 131 g water
- 386 calories (30% from fat, 26% from protein, 44% from carbohydrates)
- 25 g protein
- 13 g total fat
- 5 g saturated fat
- 5 g monounsaturated fat
- 1 g polyunsaturated fat
- 42 g carbohydrates
- 10 g fiber
- 5 g sugar
- 361 mg phosphorus
- 98 mg calcium
- 5 mg iron
- 150 mg sodium
- 1147 mg potassium
- 183 IU vitamin A
- 1 mg ATE vitamin E
- 16 mg vitamin C
- 45 mg cholesterol
In conclusion, chili beans are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner option or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is a great choice. The combination of pinto beans, ground beef, and a variety of seasonings creates a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave everyone craving for more.
The process of preparing the chili beans involves cooking the pinto beans until tender and combining them with a mixture of onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and bacon in a slow cooker. Allowing the flavors to meld together during the slow cooking process ensures a rich and robust taste. Browning the ground beef before adding it to the beans adds a depth of flavor and texture that enhances the overall dish.
To serve the chili beans, you have a couple of options. You can enjoy them as a standalone meal, or you can serve them over a bed of rice for a more substantial and filling plate. Another excellent choice is to pair the chili beans with freshly baked cornbread, which complements the flavors and provides a delightful contrast in textures.
From a nutritional standpoint, chili beans offer a well-rounded combination of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. The beans provide a good source of protein and dietary fiber, while the lean ground beef adds additional protein and a satisfying texture. The dish also contains various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium.
With its delicious taste and nutritional profile, chili beans can be a part of a balanced and wholesome diet. However, it’s essential to consider portion sizes and individual dietary needs when consuming this dish. The provided nutritional information per serving can guide you in making informed choices.
In summary, chili beans are a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best elements of baked beans and chili. The combination of tender pinto beans, savory ground beef, and flavorful seasonings makes for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other accompaniments. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, chili beans are sure to be a hit. So gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and savor the deliciousness of homemade chili beans!
