Baked Bean Chili Recipe - One Sweet Appetite (2024)

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This easy baked bean chili recipe comes together quickly and is only SIX ingredients! —the ultimate fusion of down-home comfort and fiery excitement. With a symphony of hearty beans, zesty spices, and a touch of sweet tanginess, this chili will have your senses doing the tango in no time. Hearty, filling, and a fantastic 30 minute dinner recipe!

Serve this with my sweet and simple cornbread, cinnamon honey butter, and grilled cheese sandwiches for a filling meal even the pickiest eater will love.

Baked Bean Chili Recipe - One Sweet Appetite (1)

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chili

  • Six Ingredients: Can you really hate a recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes and uses only a handful of pantry staples?
  • Bold Flavor: The flavor of this chili will surprise you! It’s a little sweet with a savory note that melds the flavors perfectly!
  • My Favorite Comfort Meal: This is the recipe I reach for whenever I want my belly to be warm and full.

Admission: this recipe started as a sponsored post. They requested that I make a meal using baked beans that was under 10 ingredients. We whipped this up and form that first test taste bite I was hooked.

This chili is SO DANG GOOD. Since the first time, we have made this well over 20 times and there are never any leftovers. This dish is a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, spicy, and savory notes. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that warms you up from the inside out and keeps you coming back for more. You’ll be shocked at how delicious this underrated recipe is and how many people will beg for the recipe!

Baked Bean Chili Recipe - One Sweet Appetite (2)

Six Ingredient Chili Ingredients:

Baked beans in a chili?? Is that girl crazy?? I will stop you right there and reassure you that I am not and that this recipe is to-die-for! Along with making this at home, we once made it for a large group while camping. Everyone agreed that the smokey flavor you get from the baked beans added just the right touch. Top things off with some fresh chopped onion and shredded cheese and you will never make another chili recipe again!

  • Ground Beef: Could you make this with ground turkey or chicken? Yep! Pick your favorite protein.
  • Onion: Yellow or a sweet onion work best. Don’t skimp! We even like to add a little fresh onion to the top when serving.
  • Baked Beans: Since originally making this recipe we’ve tested this with almost every baked bean brand. They all work and are equally delicious! Just remember to remove the added giant bacon piece.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Chilies (Rotel): One can. Pick your spice level based on your preference. We like mild.
  • Tomato Juice: The secret ingredient. A little tomato juice. You can find a giant can for under $1 in the canned tomato aisle. Freeze the extra for next time.
  • Chili Seasoning: Again, pick your favorite brand and spice level. We like McCormick classic chili seasoning.
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How To Make Baked Bean Chili

This recipe is EASY which makes it a go-to for busy weeknights. It also makes enough to feed a crowd, so perfect for parties!

  1. PREP: Heat a large pot, or deep skillet, over medium heat.
  2. BROWN: ADd the ground beef and onion. Cook and crumble until the meat is browned and the onion is soft.
  3. SIMMER: Stir in the baked beans, tomatoes with chilies, tomato juice, and chili seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. ENJOY: Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or any of your other favorite chili toppings!

Helpful Tools

  • Meat Chopper: This was a random off the wall gift my husband gave me that turned into one of my favorite kitchen items.Meat Choppers(affiliate) make it super simple to cook ground meats like beef, chicken, and pork.
  • Pot: I used myCalphalon pot(affiliate), which an amazing option, but you could also use adutch oven(affiliate).
  • Serving Bowls: I love this set of deep serving bowls (affiliate) for this chili. Holds a decent amount and still leaves room for toppings!
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Recipe Notes:

Can I make baked bean chili in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can absolutely make baked bean chili in a slow cooker or Instant Pot! Both appliances offer convenient methods for cooking chili, and they can help develop rich flavors and tender textures. Make sure you brown the meat before adding to a slow cooker, or saute in the Instant Pot before cooking.

How do I adjust the spiciness level of baked bean chili?

Adjusting the spiciness level of baked bean chili is a personal preference, and there are several ways you can customize the heat to suit your taste. Here are a few methods to consider: use a milder chili seasoning packet, add a sprinkle of cayenne, offer hot sauce as a topping.
Remember, it’s always easier to add more heat later if desired, so start with less spice and gradually increase it until you reach your desired level. Taste the chili as you go and adjust accordingly until it reaches the perfect balance for you.

What toppings can I use to garnish my baked bean chili?

While we love the simplicity of this recipe, we also loooooove loading it up with additional toppings. Here are a few of our favorite ways to spice things up!
Hot Sauce, Cheddar Cheese, Chopped Onion, Sour Cream, Corn Chips, Lettuce, Avocado, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa.
Also, if you are not afraid of a little salt, try Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning. We like it on almost everything, but especially this chili.

Can I add other vegetables to the chili?

Absolutely! Adding other vegetables to baked bean chili is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of the dish. Here are some common vegetables you can consider adding: bell peppers, corn, carrots, celery, zucchini, spinach, or even sweet potatoes!

Can I freeze leftover baked bean chili?

Allow the chili to cool completely after cooking. Transfer to freezer safe containers and label with the date and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen chili, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave. Once thawed, reheat the chili on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches a safe serving temperature (165°F or 74°C).
Frozen baked bean chili can typically be stored for up to 3 months. However, for the best quality, it’s recommended to consume it within 1 to 2 months. Enjoy your frozen chili whenever you’re in the mood for a quick and comforting meal!

More 30 Minute Meals

  • Orange Chicken Recipe

  • Baked Quesadillas

  • Chili Dog Recipe

  • Ranch Chicken Recipe

Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite onInstagram,Pinterest, andFacebook!

Baked Bean Chili Recipe - One Sweet Appetite (9)

4.66 from 26 votes

Sweet Baked Bean Chili

Created by: Jesseca


Course Dinner Recipes

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

6 servings

This easy baked bean chili recipe comes together quickly and is only SIX ingredients! Hearty, filling, and a fantastic 30 minute dinner recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped
  • 1 (28 oz) can of baked beans
  • 1 (10oz) can diced tomatoes with chilies (Rotel)
  • cups tomato juice
  • 1 envelope chili seasoning

Instructions

  • Heat a large pot, or deep skillet, over medium heat.

  • Add the ground beef and onion. Cook and crumble until the meat is browned and the onion is soft.

  • Stir in the baked beans, tomatoes with chilies, tomato juice, and chili seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until heated through.

  • Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or any of your other favorite chili toppings!

Notes

*Chop your onions before you leave for your camping trip for even easier prep when you get outdoors! * Pacific foods easy open containers are ideal for hiking and camping. No can opener required!

Nutrition

Serving: 1Servings | Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 361mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 356IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 2mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

Share it with me on Instagram @1sweetappetite and follow pinterest for more!

Baked Bean Chili Recipe - One Sweet Appetite (13)

Reader Interactions

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    Leave a Review!

    Comments & Reviews

  1. Alec says

    This recipe seems like it would be delicious – and so easy. The recipe notes say it can be cooked in a slow cooker, but don’t give any specifics. What are the instructions for cooking in a slow cooker (i.e., cooking times on both high and low)? I:d like to try it.

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Hi Alec, here’s how we make this in the slow cooker:
      Heat a large pot, or deep skillet, over medium heat.
      Add the ground beef and onion. Cook and crumble until the meat is browned and the onion is soft.
      Add remaining ingredients into the slow cooker: can of baked beans, diced tomatoes with chilies (Rotel), tomato juice, chili seasoning.
      Stir to combine and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Season to taste if desired and serve warm.

      Reply

  2. Megan says

    Delicious. Didn’t have a spice mix so I made one from another recipe online.
    Loved the sweetness of this, it was so good it didn’t even need toppings.

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Hi Megan, I’m so glad you liked the recipe! It’s actually on our menu for this week and one of our fall favorites.

      Reply

  3. K Hunt says

    Where do you find those pouches of baked beans? I’ve only ever seen cans. I assume you could substitute if needed? Looks delish!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Hi K. I haven’t been able to find that brand lately in store. I use the cans of original flavor beans and it tastes the same. Hope this helps!

      Reply

  4. Karen Lee says

    We absolutely loved this recipe!!!! We used Bush’s Best Grilling Beans Steakhouse Recipe for the baked beans component and it was perfect! We omitted the tomato juice so that it would be thicker and for us it was a good choice. Thanks again for sharing this 🥰

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Yay! This is one of the underrated recipes on my site that I always feel deserves more love. One of our all-time favorites. I’ll have to try it with your suggestions. Thanks for the love!

      Reply

Baked Bean Chili Recipe - One Sweet Appetite (2024)

FAQs

How to counteract sweetness in baked beans? ›

ANSWER: You're on the right track, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce or even a teaspoon or more of white vinegar can help to balance out the sweetness from too much brown sugar. Another option would be to add a can or two of "like" beans to the pot.

How do you make Bush's baked beans less sweet? ›

To prepare canned baked beans without adding sugar or ketchup during the cooking stage, you can follow these steps:
  1. Drain and rinse the canned baked beans in a colander.
  2. Transfer the rinsed beans to a saucepan.
  3. Add any desired seasonings such as garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or vinegar to taste.
Jul 1, 2022

What happens when you add sugar to chili? ›

Sugar is used to cut the acidity of the tomatoes used in my homemade chili recipe. Using a small amount of sugar balances the flavors which in turn creates a smoother and richer taste overall.

What is the difference between chili and baked beans? ›

While they look similar due to their saucy presentation, chili beans' hot flavor is miles away from the more sugary taste of baked beans. Chili sauce is a more complex mixture than most baked bean sauces, incorporating meat, vegetables, dried chiles, and spices.

What can I do if my chili is too sweet? ›

However, if you find you are plum out of lemons and your chili is skewing toward the sweet end of the culinary spectrum, you can substitute a little vinegar to help rescue its taste. Just remember to start with a small amount so you don't ruin your pot of chili altogether.

What cancels out sweetness? ›

How to Make Food Less Sweet. Add an acid or seasonings such as vinegar or citrus juice; chopped fresh herbs; a dash of cayenne pepper; or, for sweet dishes, a bit of liqueur or espresso powder.

How to make canned beans less sweet? ›

How to Make Not-Too-Sweet Baked Beans. Fry up a few slices of bacon, cook your onions in the bacon drippings, and rinse and drain your beans. Add the cooked onions and bacon. Cook the beans in either in the oven or the crockpot, until the flavors combine and your house smells amazing.

How do you remove sugar from beans? ›

Method 2: Pressure cooking

In this case, the pressure of the Instant Pot (or traditional pressure cooker) breaks down sugars quickly to eliminate unpleasant side effects. To degas with a pressure cooker, start by soaking the beans for four to eight hours. Then drain well and give them a rinse.

What can I add to baked beans to make them taste better? ›

Ingredients You'll Need To Dress Up Your Baked Beans
  1. Bacon.
  2. Onion.
  3. Maple syrup.
  4. Spicy mustard.
  5. Beef sausage.
  6. Molasses.
  7. Ketchup.
  8. Cider vinegar.
May 17, 2024

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

Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee can add a rich, earthy depth to your chili. The subtle bitterness of coffee perfectly complements the savory elements of the dish, creating a complex flavor profile.

Should you 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.

Should I put brown sugar in my chili? ›

Spices– chili powder, ground cumin, sweet paprika, and ground coriander. Brown Sugar– this is a must when making chili! It adds a sweetness that really balances the flavor.

What bean is best for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Why do people say beans don't go in chili? ›

No-beans side argue that beans distract your mouth from the beef and spices that chili is supposed to showcase. Texans in particular are likely to reject beans; in fact, the no-bean version is often referred to as Texas chili.

What is a chili without beans called? ›

No bean chili, also known as Texas chili or Chile con carne, is a spicy stew made without any beans. It traditionally contains meat (usually ground beef), tomatoes, peppers, onions, aromatics and flavorful spices.

How do you reduce sweetness in the desert? ›

Another way to reduce sugar is to add a contrasting flavour to balance out the sweetness. For tartness, you can use citrus juice or curd, sour fruits like cranberries, or even cream cheese. For saltiness, you can top desserts with flaky salt, or add in salty snacks like pretzels.

How do you balance sweetness in baked goods? ›

Stir in citrus juice.

Citrus fruits have a fresh, tart taste that can balance out the sweetness in a recipe. If your dish is too sweet, squeeze in a little fresh juice to counter the excess sugar.

Why do baked beans taste sweet? ›

Originally baked beans were sweetened with maple syrup by Native Americans, a tradition some recipes still follow, but some English colonists modified the sweetening agent to brown sugar beginning in the 17th century.

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