Pinto Bean Chili Recipe

Introduction

This hearty Pinto Bean Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any day. Whether you prefer it with ground beef or shredded chicken, it’s packed with spices and tender beans for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and cooked OR 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef or shredded chicken
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Instructions

1. Step 1: If using dried pinto beans, soak them overnight and cook according to package instructions. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them.
2. Step 2: In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef or shredded chicken and cook until browned.
4. Step 4: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
5. Step 5: Add pinto beans and broth, bring to a simmer, and cook on low heat for at least 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Adjust seasonings to taste.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, onions, or cilantro. Enjoy with tortilla chips or cornbread.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or corn.
• Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Let the chili simmer longer for a thicker, richer texture.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans instead of pinto beans?

Yes, black beans or kidney beans work well as substitutes and will complement the chili flavors nicely.

How can I make this chili spicier or milder?

To make it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños. For a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne and use mild chili powder.

Pinto Bean Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 150 reviews

This hearty Pinto Bean Chili combines tender pinto beans with savory ground beef or shredded chicken and a robust blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting meal, it simmers gently to develop rich flavors and can be served with classic toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking if using dried beans)
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (plus overnight soaking if applicable)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans

• 1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and cooked OR 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Meat

• 1 lb ground beef or shredded chicken

Spices and Seasonings

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp sugar

Liquids

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Instructions

1. Prepare Beans: If using dried pinto beans, soak them overnight and cook according to package instructions. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them thoroughly.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat and sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or shredded chicken to the pot and cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and encourage their flavors to release.
5. Simmer Chili: Add the prepared pinto beans and 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook gently for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings as desired.
7. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips or warm cornbread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Using dried beans requires soaking and longer cooking time but offers better texture and flavor.
• You can substitute ground turkey or use a plant-based meat alternative to suit dietary preferences.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level of the chili.
• Adding a squeeze of lime or a dash of hot sauce before serving can enhance the flavor profile.

Keywords: pinto bean chili, chili recipe, bean chili, ground beef chili, chicken chili, easy chili, homemade chili