The Best Refried Bean Chili

User Reviews

5.0

9 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    339 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

The Best Refried Bean Chili

This ultimate refried bean chili recipe is a must-try! Packed with beans and delicious ground beef, it's bursting with flavor and warmth. And the best part? It's ready in about 30 minutes!

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Ingredients

Servings

Chili (Note 1):

  • 1 lb ground beef Note 2
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 large garlic cloves
  • 1 can refried beans Note 3
  • 1 can Kidney Beans drained and rinsed, Note 4
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz/ 400 g
  • 1 cup salsa 250 g, Note 5
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken or beef broth, 250 ml
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder NOT pure chili powder but the seasoning blend, Note 6
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt more to adjust the taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Toppings:

  • cheddar grated
  • green onions finely sliced
  • fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Guacamole or avocado
  • sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper/ red chili flakes
  • corn or tortilla chips
  • hot sauce
  • Lime wedges
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Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat the pot. Add the ground beef and the finely chopped onions. Cook on medium-high heat, breaking the lumps with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute.
  2. Add all the beans and spices, sugar, broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and salsa.
  3. Simmer chili: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the chili, uncovered and occasionally stirring, for 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
  4. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper, and for a hotter chili, add extra cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
  5. Serve with any of the suggested toppings. The refried bean chili can be served immediately, but it tastes even better if cooked the day before.

Slow cooker instructions

  1. Brown the beef, onions, and garlic as instructed. Transfer them to the slow cooker, add all the other ingredients, and stir well. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Adjust the taste.

Notes

  • The nutrition is calculated without counting the toppings. 
  • Ground beef: About 80-90% fat. You could also make the refried bean chili with a mixture of ground beef and ground pork or ground turkey.
  • Refried beans: You can substitute them with a can of black beans. Refried beans also help the chili thicken; if you use simple black beans, you should simmer the chili a little bit longer to help it thicken some more. Or you could thicken it quickly with some cornstarch slurry.
  • Substitute kidney beans with pinto beans if you like.
  • Salsa is the secret ingredient; it adds flavor, sweetness, and spiciness. Use your favorite brand; I like a medium-hot, slightly sweet, and sour salsa that’s a bit chunky.
  • Chili powder is a blend of sweet paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, onion, and garlic powder.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1portion from 6 Calories 339kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 22g (44%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 7g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 54mg (18%) Sodium 907mg (38%) Potassium 847mg (24%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 1705IU (34%) Vitamin C 11mg (12%) Calcium 105mg (11%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 339 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1portion from 6
Calories 339kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 22g 44%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 7g 35%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 54mg 18%
Sodium 907mg 38%
Potassium 847mg 18%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 1705IU 34%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 105mg 11%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

9 reviews
Excellent

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