Zesty Chili Beans with Rice Recipe: Spice Up Your Dinner

Hearty and filling, this classic chili beans with rice recipe brings comfort to your dinner table with every spoonful.

Robust flavors of smoky spices dance through tender beans simmered to perfection.

The combination of rich chili beans nestled over fluffy rice creates a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with protein and bursting with robust seasonings, this dish turns an ordinary evening into a delicious celebration.

Pantry staples come together effortlessly to craft a meal that feels both rustic and gourmet.

A single pot promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Let’s find out this soul-warming recipe and experience a true culinary comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cooking Chili Beans and Rice to Perfection

• Bean Preparation

Soak dried beans overnight or use quick-cooking methods to soften them completely. Drain and set aside for later use.

• Rice Foundation

Create a fluffy base by combining rice with water and minimal seasonings. Cook until tender and let rest for maximum softness.

• Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a large skillet and gently transform chopped onions into a golden, fragrant mixture. Introduce minced garlic and spicy seasonings to intensify the aroma.

• Protein Layer

Introduce ground meat to the skillet, allowing it to develop a rich, caramelized exterior. Move carefully to ensure even browning.

• Flavor Fusion

Reunite the sautéed onions with browned meat. Splash in diced tomatoes and fresh jalapeños. Let the ingredients mingle and develop deep, complex flavors.

• Final Touches

Fold in the prepared beans and let the entire mixture simmer. Sprinkle fresh herbs for a bright, fresh finish. Serve atop steaming rice or alongside warm tortillas.

Flavor Tips to Elevate a Simple Bean Dish

• Kitchen Wizardry
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options that still pack incredible flavor.
• Canned beans work perfectly if you're short on time. Rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium and ensure a fresher taste profile.
• Experiment with different chili powders like smoky chipotle or mild ancho to create unique flavor layers that transform the entire dish.
• Adjust jalapeño quantities based on personal spice tolerance. Remove seeds for milder version or add extra for a serious kick that'll wake up taste buds.
• This recipe tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld. Store in airtight container and reheat gently for a quick, delicious meal that gets more delectable with time.

Serving Chili Beans and Rice for Everyday Dinners

• Comfort Bowl Delight: Layer the chili beans over fluffy rice and create a hearty, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Spicy Taco Twist: Serve the chili beans inside crispy corn tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty flavor explosion.
• Protein-Packed Garnish: Sprinkle shredded cheese, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream on top to add creamy richness and extra nutrition to your dish.
• Fresh Side Crunch: Pair the meal with a crisp green salad or quick pickled vegetables to balance the rich, spicy flavors of the chili beans and provide a refreshing contrast.

How to Store and Reheat Rice and Beans

• Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up a large pot of chili beans and divide into meal-sized containers for quick weeknight dinners. Keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Cool the chili completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Sealed tightly, it maintains delicious flavor for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Portion Control: Store rice and beans separately to maintain optimal texture. Reheat rice in a skillet with a splash of water to restore its fluffy consistency. Beans can be gently warmed in a saucepan.
• Flavor Boost Strategy: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime right before serving reheated chili. This technique refreshes the dish and brings back the vibrant taste of the original meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 404 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Power Chili Beans with Rice

• Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: Adds hearty, rich flavor and substantial protein punch, choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Pinto Beans: Creamy, nutritious base that provides extra protein and fiber, opt for dry beans for deeper flavor or canned for convenience.

• Yellow Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic foundation for the dish, select firm onions with no soft spots.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent undertones that elevate overall taste, choose fresh cloves for maximum zest.
• Chili Powder: Brings warm, spicy complexity to the recipe, select high-quality blend for robust flavor profile.
• Jalapeño Pepper or Pace Salsa: Introduces vibrant heat and tangy kick, adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies other ingredients' flavors, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Sugar: Softens acidic notes and rounds out taste, use sparingly for subtle enhancement.

• Parsley, Cilantro: Adds fresh, bright herbaceous notes and visual appeal, choose crisp, green leaves.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates rich, slightly acidic base that adds depth and moisture to the dish.
• White Rice: Serves as neutral, fluffy backdrop to soak up delicious chili flavors, select long-grain variety.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides smooth, fruity undertone and helps sauté ingredients, choose cold-pressed for best quality.

Tools That Make This Rice and Bean Dish Easy

• Large pot: Essential for cooking rice and beans with enough space for ingredients.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, browning meat, and simmering chili mixture.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, jalapeño, and parsley.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Measuring cups: Help accurately measure rice, water, and other ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing components during cooking.
• Colander: Useful for straining cooked beans and rinsing ingredients.

Hearty Chili Beans with Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chili beans with rice brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables across kitchens. Spicy beans nestled over fluffy rice create a satisfying meal you can savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (1 pound) ground beef or ground turkey
• 2 cups (1 lb or 425 g) dry pinto beans OR 4 (15 oz / 425 g) cans pinto beans, drained
• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 1 yellow onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 jalapeño pepper (cooked, canned), sliced (or substitute with 1 cup of Pace brand salsa)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped (about 1 tsp)
• 1 to 2 tbsps chili powder
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can crushed or whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves

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Instructions

1. Bean Preparation: Soak dried beans overnight or use rapid pressure cooker method, draining thoroughly to ensure optimal tenderness and texture.
2. Rice Foundation: Combine rice, water, unsalted butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a robust boil, then reduce to minimal heat, covering pot tightly. Simmer 15-18 minutes until liquid fully absorbs, creating a fluffy base.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Sauté yellow onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and chili powder. Stir continuously to release intense flavor profiles, creating a robust aromatic base.
4. Protein Transformation: Elevate skillet heat to medium-high. Add ground beef or turkey, allowing meat to develop rich caramelized edges. Brown protein uniformly, creating depth of flavor and textural complexity.
5. Flavor Layering: Merge sautéed onion mixture with browned protein. Incorporate diced tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, parsley, and kosher salt. Calibrate chili powder to achieve desired heat intensity, building a robust flavor profile.
6. Final Melding: Integrate cooked beans into meat mixture, allowing ingredients to harmonize. Simmer 6-8 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent burning. Adjust seasonings to perfect taste balance and overall dish character.
7. Culinary Presentation: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves moments before serving. Present atop steamed rice or accompany with warm corn tortillas for a complete, satisfying meal experience.

Notes

• Soak Smart: Use overnight soaking or pressure cooker method to ensure beans become tender and reduce cooking time dramatically.
• Rice Perfection: Always use a tight-fitting lid when cooking rice to trap steam and create fluffy, evenly cooked grains without becoming mushy.
• Flavor Layer Technique: Sauté onions and garlic before adding meat to build deep, complex flavor foundations that elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Spice Control: Adjust chili powder incrementally to manage heat level, remembering you can always add more but cannot remove excess spiciness once incorporated.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 423 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 11 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg