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Four Bean Chili Con Carne

Updated: Sep 17, 2020

A Family Favorite! Spicy, hearty, full of flavors, and very satisfying! Perfect for any occasion!

Joe's 4-beans Chili con Carne
Joe's 4-beans Chili con Carne

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 3 hours and 10 minutes

Serves up to 10 people

Vegan/Vegetarian Options Available


This one is my own recipe and it has been a favorite at our house on cold rainy days. It is spicy and just so satisfying. The best thing about it is that a deeper flavor develops by the next day and continues to be the gift that keeps on giving for days!


You can make it 100% vegetarian by skipping the meat. Also, you can substitute the beef for ground turkey or half beef and half ground pork.


Think about the possibilities: nachos, chili dogs, french fries topping, etc... The sky is the limit!


What is the flavor profile?

Spicy smoky flavors. Bold with a hint of sweetness.


What ingredients will I need to make this?

You will need ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork or a combination of either. Also black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, bell peppers, onions, green onions, garlic, bay leaves, fresh cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, crushed tomatoes, salt & pepper, tomato paste, ketchup, crushed pepper flakes, bay leaves, vegetable oil, and broth. For garnishing you will need cheese, cilantro, and green onions.


What else will I need to make this dish?

A large pot, measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board, a knife, and a wooden spoon.


Can I make any substitutions?

Yes. You can substitute the beef for turkey, chicken, pork... or a combination of either.

You can also use either beef, chicken, or vegetable broth.


Can I make this Vegan or Vegetarian?

Yes. Skip the meat, use vegetable broth, and do not garnish with cheese.


Can I make this dairy free?

Yes. Just skip the cheese.


Will the Chili Powder mix be gluten free?

Yes. I make it at home with spices that have been certified as gluten free.


Let's Make it!

A Family Favorite!  Spicy, hearty, full of flavors, and very satisfying! Perfect for any occasion!
Four Bean Chili con Carne

INGREDIENTS

  • 1.5 pounds of 80/20 ground beef

  • 1 15 oz. can of Black Beans (drained and rinsed)

  • 1 15 oz. can of Light Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)

  • 1 15 oz. can of Dark Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)

  • 1 15 oz. can of Pinto Beans (drained and rinsed)

  • 1 Green Bell Pepper (chopped)

  • 1 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)

  • 1 Yellow Bell pepper (chopped

  • 1 Large white onion (chopped)

  • 6 cloves of garlic (minced)

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 cilantro bunch (chopped)

  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin

  • 2 tablespoons of Chili Powder (recipe below)

  • 1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder

  • Salt to taste

  • 1.5 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

  • 2 pinches of crushed pepper flakes

  • 6 cups of Swanson's Gluten Free Low Sodium Beef Broth

  • 1.5 cup of Heinz ketchup

  • 1 teaspoon of tomato paste

  • 1 15 oz can of crushed tomatoes

  • vegetable oil

  • green onions, cilantro, and cheese to garnish

Chili Powder

  • 2 tablespoons paprika

  • 2 teaspoons oregano

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Method

  1. Mix all the chili powder ingredients in a container with a lid. Seal, shake, and set aside.

  2. In a large pot over medium heat, add 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

  3. Add onions and peppers. Cook until the onions are translucent.

  4. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

  5. Add meat and stir well. Cook for 5 minutes.

  6. Add drained beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir frequently.

  7. Add the cilantro and bay leaves, broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Incorporate well and bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and add salt to taste, ketchup, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

  8. Partially cover and let it simmer for 3 hours.

  9. Serve, garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and cheese.

Crock Pot Method

This is an alternate way to make this dish but requires a bit more cooking time.


  1. In a cock pot, combine all ingredients together.

  2. Stir well.

  3. Set on high and cook for 6 to 8 hours. Stir every couple of hours.

  4. Serve, garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and cheese.

Enjoy!!!


Printable PDF Recipe file below:


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