Warm up your soul with Deana’s Five Bean Chili – a surprisingly simple yet incredibly hearty dish that promises to be a new family favorite. This recipe isn’t just quick and easy; it’s packed with flavor, making it the perfect choice for a chilly evening or even a surprisingly satisfying summer meal!
Deana’s Five Bean Chili: A Heartwarming Tale of Simple, Delicious Comfort
Embarking on the journey of food blogging years ago, I envisioned a special series where our wonderful readers could share their cherished family recipes. Each month, my family and I would select one to try, document our experience, and share it here on the blog, complete with any heartwarming tidbits from the submitter. While the idea was truly close to my heart, with a burgeoning blog and a smaller audience, the series never quite gained the momentum I had hoped for. Over time, that sweet ambition gently faded into the background… until recently.
A delightful message arrived from Deana, one of our vibrant community members on Facebook. She reached out to tell me about her family’s legendary chili recipe – a dish so straightforward yet incredibly satisfying, it often surprises people who assume making chili is a complicated affair. Deana’s secret? “Just dump it all in a pot!” she enthusiastically declared. Her husband, in fact, loves this chili so much he credits it as a key reason he married her! Imagine that – a chili so good, it seals a marriage! And his dedication doesn’t wane, even in the scorching Texas heat, he’s known to enjoy a hearty bowl. You know it gets hot in Texas, so that’s a true testament to its appeal! There’s truly something uniquely comforting and irresistible about a rich bowl of chili, whether it’s the dead of winter or a warm summer evening. I wholeheartedly agree with him!
As a devoted chili enthusiast myself, Deana’s story instantly resonated. Remembering my long-forgotten reader recipe series, a spark was reignited. I eagerly asked Deana if I could feature her incredible recipe on my blog, and she happily obliged! Her generosity and willingness to share such a treasured family recipe with our wider audience is truly heartwarming. A huge thank you, Deana, for not only a fantastic recipe but also for inspiring me to bring back a beloved concept that connects us through our shared love of food!
Share Your Culinary Creations with Our Community!
That cherished series idea? It’s officially making a comeback! I’m genuinely excited to revive it, even if it starts on an occasional basis. There’s an undeniable magic in sharing homemade dishes, the stories behind them, and the joy they bring. If you have a family-favorite recipe – perhaps an appetizer, a main course, or even a delightful dessert – that you’d love the Love Bakes Good Cakes family to try, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to explore new flavors and traditions through your submissions.
To share your recipe, simply shoot me an email! Please include a little background story about the dish – what makes it special to you, where it comes from, or any memorable experiences associated with it. Don’t forget to include the full list of ingredients and clear, step-by-step directions. While my email is usually easily found, you can always reach out via private message on our Love Bakes Good Cakes Facebook page. I’m also considering creating a dedicated submission form early next year to streamline the process, making it even easier for you to contribute your culinary gems!
In the meantime, let’s take a nostalgic look at some of the wonderful submissions we’ve featured previously. These reader-contributed recipes are a testament to the diverse and delicious cooking happening in kitchens everywhere:
- Debra’s Greek Baked Beans: A unique and comforting twist on a classic side dish.
- Shipwreck Stew (from my Aunt Wanda): A hearty and flavorful stew, perfect for feeding a crowd.
More Hearty Meals You Might Enjoy
Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A playful and cheesy twist on comfort food.
Chili {Like Wendy’s}: Recreate your favorite fast-food chili right in your own kitchen.
8 servings
Deana’s Five Bean Chili Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cans various beans of your choice, do not drain (e.g., kidney, pinto, black, cannellini, great northern)
- 1 can stewed tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce, 8 oz.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 packet chili seasoning (standard 1.25 oz packet)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown and crumble the ground beef together with the chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
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To the pot, add all remaining ingredients: the five cans of beans (do not drain!), stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili seasoning packet, chili powder, onion powder, and cayenne powder. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve your delicious Five Bean Chili hot with your favorite toppings and sides. Classic options include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or simply alongside a bowl of your favorite crackers or cornbread for dipping. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal!
Notes & Customization Tips
- **Bean Choice Flexibility:** Don’t feel limited to exactly five types of beans. You can use 1, 2, or up to 5 different varieties. Kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, cannellini beans, and great northern beans are all excellent choices that add varying textures and flavors. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or your personal preference!
- **Spice Level:** The cayenne powder adds a kick. If you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce or omit it. For extra heat, add another pinch or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
- **Vegetarian Option:** To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add an extra can or two of beans, or substitute with plant-based ground “meat” crumbles. Sauté the onions before adding the beans and other ingredients.
- **Make Ahead & Freezing:** Chili is fantastic for meal prep! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. It also freezes beautifully. Store cooled chili in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator or 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- **Toppings Galore:** Elevate your chili experience with a variety of toppings! Think shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack), sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, jalapeño slices, a squeeze of lime juice, or even crushed tortilla chips for a crunch.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Carbohydrates: 52g,
Protein: 26g,
Fat: 13g,
Saturated Fat: 5g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g,
Trans Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 40mg,
Sodium: 1297mg,
Potassium: 1304mg,
Fiber: 18g,
Sugar: 11g,
Vitamin A: 919IU,
Vitamin C: 14mg,
Calcium: 132mg,
Iron: 6mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried Deana’s Five Bean Chili? We’d love to hear from you!Share your thoughts and ratings in the comments below!