Hearty Kidney Bean Chili

Crafting the perfect pot of chili with kidney beans starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the deep, rich flavors that make this dish so irresistible. Here are the key ingredients we use and why they’re essential:

• Ground Beef: For a truly rich and flavorful chili, we consistently recommend using 80/20 ground beef. This ratio signifies 80% lean beef to 20% fat, providing the ideal balance of meatiness and moisture. The fat renders down during cooking, infusing the chili with a depth of flavor that leaner cuts simply can’t match, while still allowing you to drain any excess.
• Dark Red Kidney Beans: The star of our recipe! We specifically opt for dark red kidney beans because of their superior texture. Unlike some lighter varieties, dark red kidney beans are known for holding their shape beautifully even after simmering, adding a satisfyingly firm bite and robust texture to the chili that enhances every spoonful. We utilize them undrained to incorporate their flavorful liquid into the stew.
• Tomato Sauce: This forms the smooth, rich base of our chili, binding all the flavors together and providing a foundational tanginess.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are a convenient and consistent choice for this recipe. They contribute chunks of juicy tomato, adding both texture and a burst of fresh tomato flavor that brightens the overall profile of the chili.
• Onions: Sweet yellow onions are our preferred choice. When sautéed until translucent, they offer a gentle sweetness and aromatic foundation that perfectly complements the savory notes of the beef and spices.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is an absolute must. Its pungent, aromatic qualities are essential for building a complex flavor profile. We believe that using fresh garlic, rather than powdered, makes a noticeable difference in the overall vibrancy of the chili.
• Chili Powder: This is the primary spice that defines the classic chili flavor. Use your favorite brand or a homemade blend. The quality of your chili powder significantly impacts the final taste, so choose wisely.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a sharp, subtle heat and enhances the overall seasoning.
• Sugar: A small, carefully measured amount of sugar in this recipe is a secret weapon. It doesn’t make the chili sweet, but rather acts as a flavor balancer, expertly cutting through and mellowing the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a more harmonious and rounded taste.
• Red Wine Vinegar: A splash of red wine vinegar is a wonderful addition that brightens the chili’s flavor profile. Its subtle tang adds a layer of complexity and acidity, elevating the overall taste without overpowering it.
• Tabasco: For those who appreciate a kick, Tabasco provides a zesty heat and distinctive vinegary flavor that many find indispensable in a good chili. Adjust to your heat preference.
• Italian Seasoning: While not traditional in all chili recipes, a good quality Italian seasoning blend adds an aromatic herbaceousness that rounds out the spice profile, contributing subtle notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Cumin: Cumin is a foundational spice in many chili recipes, imparting a warm, earthy, slightly nutty, and subtly sweet and smoky flavor that is characteristic of classic chili.
• Sage: Dried sage, with its robust, slightly peppery, and piney notes, adds a unique depth and warmth that sets this chili apart, contributing to its “comfort food” appeal.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt brings out and enhances all the other flavors in the chili. Adjust to taste throughout the cooking process.

While the chili itself is undeniably delicious, don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! These toppings aren’t just for show; they add layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that elevate the entire chili experience. We absolutely live for some good chili toppings, and here are a few we highly recommend to take your bowl to the next level:

• Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a vibrant pop of color.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of cool, tangy sour cream offers a creamy counterpoint to the chili’s heat and richness.
• Grated Cheddar Cheese: Melted sharp cheddar cheese is a quintessential chili topping, adding a salty, savory, and incredibly satisfying gooeyness.
• Sliced Jalapeño Pepper: For those who crave extra heat and a fresh, fiery crunch, thinly sliced fresh jalapeños are perfect.
• Diced Red Onions: A sprinkling of finely diced red onions provides a sharper, more pungent onion flavor than green onions, adding a delightful crunch.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves offer a bright, citrusy, and herbaceous note that can beautifully lift the chili’s rich flavors.

For precise quantities and a detailed list of ingredients, please refer to the recipe card below.

Smart Substitutions for Your Kidney Bean Chili

One of the best things about making homemade chili is its flexibility. While our suggested ingredients for this Chili with Kidney Beans recipe yield a fantastic result, it’s good to know that many components are easily adaptable based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Here are some smart substitutes that won’t compromise on flavor:

• Ground Beef: While we adore the rich flavor that beef brings to this chili, if you’re aiming for a lighter meal or simply prefer other proteins, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent alternatives. They’ll absorb the spices beautifully and result in a delicious, albeit slightly different, flavor profile.
• Kidney Beans: If dark red kidney beans aren’t available, or if you simply want to experiment, lighter kidney beans work perfectly well. Beyond kidney beans, feel free to get creative! Black beans offer an earthy depth, pinto beans provide a creamy texture, navy beans are wonderfully mild, and cannellini beans add a buttery note. You truly can’t go wrong with your favorite bean in this recipe, allowing for endless customization.
• Diced Tomatoes: We rely on canned diced tomatoes for their convenience and consistent quality. However, if you have fresh tomatoes readily available, feel free to use them! Simply dice them to a similar size for best results. You could also opt for crushed tomatoes if you prefer a smoother consistency without distinct tomato chunks.
• Chili Powder: As the backbone of chili flavor, feel free to use your preferred store-bought blend or a cherished homemade version. This is also your primary lever for adjusting the spice level. For a milder chili, select a mild chili powder or reduce the quantity slightly. For extra heat, seek out a hot chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Red Wine Vinegar: If red wine vinegar isn’t in your pantry, don’t fret! Balsamic vinegar will add a deeper, sweeter tang; white wine vinegar offers a crisp, brighter acidity; sherry vinegar provides a nutty, complex note; apple cider vinegar brings a fruity tang; and rice wine vinegar is a milder, slightly sweet alternative. Choose the one that best suits your taste.
• Tabasco: Any other hot sauce you enjoy can be substituted for Tabasco. Sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or even a chipotle hot sauce will work wonders. If you prefer a less spicy chili or are serving those sensitive to heat, you can entirely omit the hot sauce without sacrificing the overall flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have a pre-mixed Italian seasoning blend, you can easily create your own. Simply combine equal parts of dried basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano for a similar aromatic profile. A pinch of marjoram or savory could also be a lovely addition.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Easy Chili

As we’ve mentioned, this Chili with Kidney Beans recipe is remarkably simple to prepare, making it an absolute lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you crave a homemade, hearty meal without the fuss. We’ve broken down the process into clear, manageable steps to ensure your cooking experience is as smooth and enjoyable as the chili itself. Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef to Perfection

Begin by placing a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to preheat for a minute or two, then add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add your ground beef to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break up the ground beef into smaller, even chunks. Cook the beef until it is thoroughly browned, ensuring no pink remains. Proper browning is crucial here, as it develops deep, savory flavors through the Maillard reaction, which forms the foundation of your chili’s taste. If using 80/20 ground beef, there will be some rendered fat. For a less greasy chili, you may wish to drain off any significant excess fat, though a little residual fat adds to the flavor.

Step 2: Begin Building Your Chili Base

While your ground beef is browning in the skillet, get your main chili pot ready. In a large pot (we highly recommend a 6-7 quart large Dutch Oven for its even heat distribution, though any large, heavy-bottomed soup pot will work beautifully), combine the undrained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Place this pot over medium heat to begin warming the tomato base. Once your ground beef is fully browned, carefully transfer it from the skillet to the pot containing the beans and tomatoes. Leave a small amount of the rendered grease in the skillet; this flavorful fat will be used to sauté your onions and garlic in the next step, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics for Depth of Flavor

Return the skillet, still containing the small amount of residual fat from the beef, to medium-high heat. Add your chopped onions to the skillet and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the onions are translucent, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook the garlic for just 1-2 minutes more, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. Immediately transfer the sautéed onions and garlic from the skillet into your chili pot, stirring them in to combine with the beef, beans, and tomatoes. This step infuses the chili with essential aromatic depth.

Step 4: Simmer and Savor the Flavors

Now for the final touch! Add all the remaining ingredients—chili powder, fresh ground pepper, sugar, red wine vinegar, Tabasco, Italian seasoning, cumin, sage, and salt—to your pot of chili. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the spices are evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to simmer, uncovered, for a minimum of 45 minutes to 1 hour. Simmering is key here, as it allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooking time is complete, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a bit more salt, a dash more chili powder for heat, or even a touch more sugar for balance. Serve your rich, aromatic chili generously garnished with your favorite toppings, alongside a warm slice of cornbread or crusty garlic toast for a truly satisfying meal!

Hint: For an even richer, more profound flavor, consider making this chili a day in advance! The flavors continue to develop and meld beautifully as it rests, making the leftovers truly exceptional. It’s an excellent recipe for meal prep, ready to be reheated and enjoyed.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Chili

The beauty of a classic chili recipe lies in its adaptability. While our core recipe for Chili with Kidney Beans is outstanding, there are countless wonderful ways to tweak and customize it to suit your personal preferences, dietary needs, or what you happen to have in your pantry. Here are a few recommended variations to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Adjust the Spice Level: This chili recipe is incredibly easy to tailor to your preferred level of heat. For an extra spicy kick, consider adding a hotter variety of chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some fresh diced jalapeños or serrano peppers during the sautéing of the onions. You can also increase the amount of hot sauce or opt for a spicier brand. Conversely, if you prefer a milder chili, simply use a mild chili powder and reduce or entirely omit the hot sauce. A gentle touch of paprika can add color without heat.
• Experiment with Leaner Meats: While we love the depth that ground beef provides, this chili remains incredibly delicious and satisfying with leaner protein options. Ground turkey or ground chicken are fantastic choices for a lighter take on the dish, absorbing all the wonderful spice flavors just as effectively. You could also try ground pork for a different savory profile.
• Incorporate Roasted Peppers: For an added layer of smoky depth and sweetness, we sometimes like to introduce roasted poblano peppers or red bell peppers into the chili. Simply roast them, peel, dice, and add them during the simmering stage. Poblano peppers offer a mild, earthy heat, while red bell peppers contribute a lovely sweetness and vibrant color.
• Go Vegetarian or Vegan: Transform this hearty chili into a fantastic plant-based meal by replacing the meat with a suitable alternative. Sautéed mushrooms, an extra variety or two of beans (like black beans or pinto beans), or lentils can provide a wonderful texture and richness. You could also add other diced vegetables like zucchini, corn, or sweet potatoes for a delicious and filling vegan version of this recipe. Be sure to use vegetable broth if making it vegan.
• Add a Smoky Dimension: For a deeper, more complex smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices. A touch of liquid smoke (used sparingly) or a smoked chipotle powder can also introduce a wonderful barbecue-like undertone.
• Enrich with Beer or Broth: Instead of just water (if you find your chili too thick), try adding a dark beer like a stout or porter for an incredibly rich, malty depth, or use beef or vegetable broth for an extra layer of savory flavor.

Essential Equipment for Making Chili

One of the many appealing aspects of this easy chili recipe is that it doesn’t require any specialized or fancy kitchen gadgets. You likely already have everything you need right in your kitchen! The minimal equipment necessary makes this recipe accessible to everyone, from seasoned chefs to novice cooks. All you really need to create this delicious pot of comfort are two fundamental items:

• One Large Skillet: We recommend using a good quality nonstick skillet for browning the ground beef. The nonstick surface ensures the meat cooks evenly without sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. A large size is beneficial to avoid overcrowding the pan, which is crucial for achieving a proper brown crust on the beef, rather than just steaming it.
• One Large Soup Pot: This is where all the magic happens! A sturdy, large soup pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for simmering the chili. A heavy-bottomed pot will distribute heat evenly and prevent the chili from sticking to the bottom, ensuring a smooth, consistent cook. A capacity of 6-7 quarts is perfect for this recipe, allowing all the ingredients to meld comfortably without overflowing.

That’s it! With just these two common kitchen items, you’re well on your way to enjoying a fantastic homemade chili with kidney beans.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Your Chili

One of the many advantages of making a large batch of this delicious chili with kidney beans is its incredible suitability for meal prep. This recipe is absolutely perfect to prepare at the beginning of the week, allowing you to enjoy flavorful, homemade lunches and dinners throughout the coming days without extra cooking. Not only does chili taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen, but it also stores beautifully. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your leftovers:

How to Refrigerate Leftover Chili:

• To safely store any leftover chili, ensure it has cooled down sufficiently (but not left at room temperature for too long, ideally no more than 2 hours). Transfer the cooled chili into an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. This makes it an ideal choice for healthy, convenient grab-and-go meals.

Can you freeze leftover chili?

• Absolutely! Chili freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic option for long-term meal planning. To freeze, allow the chili to cool completely. Then, transfer it into a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags (squeezing out as much air as possible). Label with the date. Your frozen chili will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 5 months. For best results, consider freezing it in individual portion sizes for easy thawing and reheating.

How to Reheat Chili:

• From the Fridge: The best method for reheating chili from the refrigerator is on the stovetop. Simply transfer the desired amount of chili to a pot, cover it, and heat on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help achieve the desired consistency if it has thickened too much.
• From Frozen: For frozen chili, it’s best to defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once defrosted, reheat it using the stovetop method described above. If you’re short on time, you can also gently reheat frozen chili directly in a covered pot on low heat, stirring frequently and breaking it up as it thaws, until heated through.
• Microwave Method: For a quick reheat, individual portions of chili can be warmed in the microwave. Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat at 50% power in intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. This prevents overheating and helps maintain texture.

Top Tip: Unleash the Versatility of Leftover Chili

Our number one tip for making the most of your delicious chili with kidney beans is to embrace its incredible versatility! Chili is truly one of those magical dishes that tastes even better the next day and can be creatively transformed into a variety of exciting new meals. Don’t limit yourself to just another bowl of chili, as wonderful as that may be!

By making a generous pot of chili, you’re setting yourself up for a week of diverse and delightful dining options. Think beyond the bowl: use your chili to create mouth-watering chili cheese burgers, where the rich, savory chili adds an explosion of flavor and juiciness to your patties. Pile it high on hot dogs for classic chili cheese dogs, a beloved comfort food. Layer it over crispy tortilla chips with melted cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños for epic nachos that are perfect for sharing. For a fun and satisfying meal, spoon it into a bed of Frito corn chips for authentic Frito pies. It’s also fantastic as a topping for baked potatoes, creating a complete and satisfying meal with minimal effort. This adaptability means less food waste and more delicious, creative meals throughout your week, making your efforts in the kitchen go further!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Kidney Bean Chili

A steaming bowl of our hearty chili with kidney beans is a magnificent meal all on its own, especially when crowned with an array of your favorite toppings. However, sometimes you want to round out the meal or offer something to dip into that rich, flavorful broth. Here are our top recommendations for perfect accompaniments that elevate the chili experience:

• Classic Cornbread: This is arguably the most iconic pairing with chili. Whether it’s sweet or savory, a warm slice of cornbread, fresh from the oven, is ideal for soaking up every last drop of the chili’s flavorful sauce. The slightly crumbly texture and comforting taste of cornbread provide a delightful contrast to the chili’s richness.
• Garlic Toast or Crusty Bread: For a savory alternative, serve your chili with thick slices of toasted garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky crunch offers a wonderful textural contrast and an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, a simple crusty baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for tearing and dipping.
• Simple Green Salad: To lighten the meal and add a refreshing element, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can be a perfect counterpoint to the rich chili. It provides a welcome freshness and crunch.
• Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice can stretch your chili further and provide a mild base that soaks up all the delicious flavors, making it a more substantial meal.
• Tortilla Chips: Not just for nachos! A side of plain tortilla chips provides an excellent crunchy texture and serves as a scoop for your chili.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of simply roasted seasonal vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus, can add nutritional value and a different texture to the meal.

The true secret to an exceptional bowl of chili, much like any other outstanding recipe, lies predominantly in the quality of your ingredients. Don’t compromise on freshness and flavor, from your ground beef and fresh vegetables to your chili powder and other aromatic spices. Source good quality meat from a reputable butcher, and ensure your produce is fresh. Beyond that, the freshness of your dried spices is paramount. Most ground spices begin to lose their potency, flavor, and aroma after about a year. If those spices in your pantry have been sitting there for five years, they simply won’t impart the depth of flavor they’re meant to. For the ultimate aromatic punch, if possible, consider using whole spices and grinding them fresh just before you need them. This small effort can make a world of difference in the vibrancy and complexity of your chili.

For this particular Chili with Kidney Beans recipe, we specifically recommend against draining the can of kidney beans. The liquid from the can is an integral part of our recipe; it adds an extra layer of flavor and contributes to the desired consistency of the chili. This starchy liquid helps to thicken the sauce slightly and enriches the overall taste as it simmers with the other ingredients, ensuring a deep, harmonious flavor profile.

Equipment

• 1 large skillet (nonstick recommended)
• 1 large soup pot (6-7 qt Dutch oven recommended)

Ingredients

  

Instructions

 

Nutrition