Mild Beef and Bean Chili
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
A comforting, family-friendly bowl of mild beef and bean chili loaded with warm spices and hearty beans.
A cozy, foolproof beef and bean chili that warms the whole table without demanding a lot of heat. It simmers low until the beef turns tender and the beans soak up the flavor. Mild enough for kids, tasty enough that nobody misses the spice.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 1 lb lean ground beef
- 🫗 1 medium onion, diced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🫗 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 🫗 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 🫗 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 🫗 1 tablespoon mild chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and salt to taste
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is fully browned, draining excess fat.
Stir in the minced garlic, mild chili powder, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans, stirring everything together thoroughly.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes so the flavors meld into a rich, thick chili before serving warm.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Not rinsing canned beans, which can add an excess amount of sodium and starch to the chili base.
- ✕
Simmering on too high of heat, causing the thick chili tomatoes to splatter or burn at the bottom.
- ✕
Skipping the onion and garlic flavor base, which forms the essential foundation of a great chili.
🔄 Variations
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
Add diced mild bell peppers or corn kernels for extra texture and color.
Serve alongside warm cornbread or baked tortilla chips.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (it often tastes even better the next day!).
- 📦
Freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months.
- 📦
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
💡 Chef Tips
Use mild chili powder and omit spicy cayenne pepper to keep the flavor profile completely kid-friendly.
Letting the chili simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes helps achieve a thick, hearty consistency.
Serve with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese or sour cream to tone down spice for sensitive palates.
❓ FAQ
Is this chili spicy? A
No, this recipe is intentionally mild, utilizing gentle spices like cumin and mild chili powder suitable for young children.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? A
Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
What are the best toppings for kids? A
Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crumbled tortilla chips are huge hits with kids.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →