Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Weeknight bean chili
Weeknight bean chili brings together black beans, canned tomatoes, and onion. The bean-mashing step changes how the mixture holds together or thickens. The quick notes will help you get the small jobs lined up before you start.
- Original yield
- Serves 4
- Ingredients
- 5 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Main course
- Primary protein
- Beans & lentils
- Budget (estimated)
- Low cost
- Dietary characteristics
- Vegetarian
- Dish type
- Soups & stews
A few quick notes
1. Let the beans help with the texture
The bean-mashing step changes how the mixture holds together or thickens. Do it where the method calls for it, then look at the texture before deciding what to do next.
2. Match the preparation in the method
Take a look at the chopping, slicing or shaving step before bringing the parts together. Use the preparation described there so the food goes into the next stage in the form the recipe expects.
3. Give the simmer its place
Keep the simmering stage in the sequence when planning the meal. Follow the heat and texture checks in that step rather than rushing straight to the finish.
Get to know the ingredients
Black beans
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Add tomatoes and drained beans.
Canned tomatoes
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Add tomatoes and drained beans.
Onion
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Dice onion and pepper.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 4. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
How to make it
0 of 3 steps completeMake room for Weeknight bean chili
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Keep the last little job in mind
The recipe finishes with this step: Divide into bowls and top with cheddar. Set out what you need for that finish before the cooking gets busy.
A little more help as you go
Set out the finishing ingredient
Keep the finishing ingredient within reach while the main preparation is going on. Add it at the step in the method so the last job is easy to complete.
A few questions you might have
What should I get ready before starting?
Set out the pot. Read the first preparation step before you get going: Dice onion and pepper.
Which little step is worth remembering?
The bean-mashing step changes how the mixture holds together or thickens. Do it where the method calls for it, then look at the texture before deciding what to do next.
What happens at the end?
Keep this part of the method in view: Divide into bowls and top with cheddar.
Is there another preparation step to plan for?
Keep the finishing ingredient within reach while the main preparation is going on. Add it at the step in the method so the last job is easy to complete.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Family Pantry original recipe.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.
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