Pinto Bean Chili Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings as desired.
- 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
Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/pinto-bean-chili-recipe/
