Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe -

Our new favorite chili recipe, made with three different varieties of Bush’s Reduced Sodium Beans.

I’ve always been of the belief that chili was chili and that it was hard to make a chili absolutely more outstanding than the next. Because of that (now I know) misguided belief, I rarely switched things up when we had chili. I would follow my old standby recipe and serve it up as is.

Luckily I was recently working with a client on photographing some various chili, and had the opportunity to try a number of different kinds of chili. All I can tell you is, boy I have been missing out all this time! I’ve always liked chili, but now I have to say I really really like chili.

I adapted the original recipe, which was a Wendy’s Copycat Chili Recipe, and created a combination of texture and flavors I love. With three different types of Reduced Sodium Bush’s Beans, this recipe has been an absolute winner with my family. In fact, I recently took it to a family event and just about everyone who tried it commented on how good it was and asked for the recipe!

It’s good to switch things up every now and then, I’ve discovered. If you do, you may just discover something even better than before! Enjoy!

Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (3)

Print Pin

Three Bean Chili Recipe

Our new favorite chili recipe, featuring three different types of Bush's Reduced Sodium Beans

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 large tomato chopped
  • 32 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 14- ounce can Bush's Reduced Sodium Pinto Beans drained
  • 1 14- ounce can Bush's Reduced Sodium Dark Red Kidney Beans drained
  • 1 14- ounce can Bush's Reduced Sodium Great Northern Beans drained
  • 1 10- ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies medium
  • 1 1.25 ounce package McCormick mild chili seasoning

Instructions

  • In a large stock pot, brown ground beef. Once browned, drain grease.

  • Add the remaining items and stir together.

  • Cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender, approximately 30 minutes.

Disclosure: I am honored to be in a compensated partnership with Bush’s Beans. All opinions expressed are my own.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (4)Tieghan says

    I am all for trying new Chili recipes! 3 bean sounds delicious and I love that this chili is minimal ingredients too! Perfect!

  2. Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (5)Taylor @ FoodFaithFitness says

    Chili is a winter staple and I love the idea of using 3 kinds of beans! A perfect, simple and SUPER comforting meal!

  3. Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (7)Paula – bell’alimento says

    Chili is a must on cool winter days! Can’t want to try your recipe!

  4. Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (8)Naomi says

    We love ours and my family refuse to eat anyone else’s chili! They are a little snobby, I think. (Or just loyal to mama)

    Nothing better than a great big bowl of it though!!

  5. Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (10)merry lu says

    I am like you, I don’t stray off the path too much, but this recipe has me ready to be adventurous.

  6. Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (11)Meagan Cramer says

    Perfect recipe to share! Thank you. This will be great as we hunker down for the snowapocalypse coming.

  7. Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (12)rachel says

    I love a good chili! Just don’t tell any of my fellow hardcore chili lovin’ Texans that I approve of this chili with beans in it! 😉 (GASP) Great pics, and yummy recipe, Kristen!

  8. Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (14)child name change says

    Awesome post .i hope everybody will like your post

  9. Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (15)soldes mbt chaussures says

    Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice post.

  10. Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (16)Michelle @ Healthy Recipe Ecstasy says

    Wendy’s chili is one of my all-time faves so if this tastes anything like it I am sold!!! It looks amazing!

  11. Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (17)Rachel @ Bakerita says

    Love how short the ingredients list is (for chili, at least!) and how absolutely delicious and filling this sounds! Too perfect for football season 🙂

Trackbacks

  1. […] 3 Bean Chili from Dine & Dish– alls I know is that I saw this photo and stopped in my tracks. It’s cold. And damp. And cold. Steamy cozy chili is the ticket. […]

  2. […] 3 Bean Chili from Dine & Dish – alls I know is that I saw this photo and stopped in my tracks. It’s cold. And damp. And cold. Steamy cozy chili is the ticket. […]

  3. […] is the touch of Mexican beer added to the simmering bean pot. I can’t wait to make my favorite chili recipe and add some beer to it. The unique flavor it added to the beans was […]

Our New Favorite Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  • Brown the Meat.
  • Don't Forget Vegetables.
  • Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  • Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  • Opt for Dried Beans.
  • Season Early and Often.
  • Add Some Acidity at the End.
  • Top It Off.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

How do you make chili taste richer? ›

Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight. Warming spice blends, like Garam Masala, Ras el Hanout or Baharat are another simple and delicious way to add layered flavors to this simple one-pot meal.

Why put cinnamon in chili? ›

Cinnamon. The beauty of ground cinnamon is that it brings a warmth to your chili, without being spicy. It works well with other flavors commonly found in chili (like tomato, cumin and chile powder) so you only need a little bit to achieve the desired balance.

Do you cook onions or meat first for chili? ›

In a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil and add the onions, garlic, and red pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the beef and increase the heat to high.

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato paste may come in a small can (or tube), but it packs a powerful punch and is an essential flavor building block for dishes like chili and beef stew.

What is my chili missing? ›

Sometimes after a long simmer, your chili will taste wonderful be maybe missing one little thing you can't figure out. Try a tad bit of vinegar or a squeeze of lime! The acidity in vinegar & limes bring a good roundness to the pot and binds all the flavors together.

What is the best liquid for chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

What is chili magic? ›

Bush's Chili Magic transforms tomatoes and your favorite protein into a delicious weeknight chili. Stock your pantry with 15.5 oz recyclable cans of Bush's Classic Homestyle Chili Magic Chili Starter. Bush's Classic Homestyle Chili Magic is made from tender pinto beans in a mild chili sauce with traditional seasonings.

Why do you put butter in chili? ›

Butter smooths out the bitterness and adds its unique richness, making you take another bite without quite knowing why. A dash of sugar and vinegar gives a sweet-sour flavor that also makes the sauce rounder and more satisfying.

Does Wendy's put sugar in their chili? ›

Chili Concentrate: Chili Sauce (Water, Tomato Juice, Tomatoes, Calcium Chloride, Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Corn Starch, Dried Chilies, Spices, Flavor Enhancer [Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Modified Corn Starch], Citric Acid, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Xanthan gum), Beans (Pink Beans, Red ...

What makes can chili taste better? ›

Professional chefs shared their favorite ways to turn a can of chili into a tastier option. Cocoa, beer, and cinnamon are ingredients that'll boost the flavor of your dish. Fresh toppings are an easy way to add new flavor and texture to the premade meal.

What is the secret to competition chili? ›

Additional Depth of Flavor

Ingredients like tomato paste, cinnamon, coffee and liquid smoke can all add flavor hints that will make your chili cook-off entry unique. Roast your vegetables and use broth or beer instead of water for even more flavor in your pot.

What makes the best chili meat? ›

Texas Chili - Chuck

Most chili lovers will tell you that this is the ideal cut of meat for stew and chili. Chuck is initially a very tough cut of beef, but when you consider the fact chuck is highly marbled, it turns out this is perfect for the low-and-slow way to cook the perfect Texas chili.

Why doesn't my chili taste good? ›

Not Browning The Vegetables And Meat

Browning = flavor. Before you add any liquid to your chili, make sure your vegetables (onions, bell peppers, garlic, etc.) are softened and the meat (ground beef, turkey, short ribs, or chicken) is well seasoned and browned on the outside.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 5604

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.