Restaurant, family style, chili with meat and beans
Whole food · Restaurant Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
A hearty, savory stew of slow-simmered ground beef and kidney beans in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. The texture is thick and satisfying, with tender beans and meat in every bite. At 157 kcal per 100g, it delivers a strong protein punch (12.56g) while keeping carbs relatively low (4.57g).
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its deep, comforting umami flavor and the satisfying texture of meat and beans. It's a versatile one-pot meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd and tastes even better the next day.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Can be high in sodium depending on the recipe, which is a consideration for those monitoring blood pressure. The combination of meat and beans may cause digestive discomfort for some. To counteract, choose low-sodium broth, rinse canned beans, and ensure it's cooked thoroughly. Pair with a fresh, acidic side like coleslaw to cut the richness.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein from beef and complementary amino acids from beans.
- Good source of dietary fiber (1.4g per 100g) from kidney beans.
- Contains iron and zinc from red meat.
- Provides plant-based protein and fiber from beans.
- Relatively low in carbohydrates for a hearty dish.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The International Chili Cook-Off in Terlingua, Texas, has a 'Red' category where beans are strictly forbidden, highlighting the fierce regional debate over what constitutes 'authentic' chili.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 71.3 g |
| Energy | 157 kcal |
| Energy | 656 kj |
| Protein | 12.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 9.8 g |
| Ash | 1.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 4.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.4 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g |
| Sucrose | 0.22 g |
| Glucose | 1.1 g |
| Fructose | 0.98 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Starch | 0.43 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 34.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 104 mg |
| Potassium, K | 320 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 381 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.09 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.08 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 13.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 1.1 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.04 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.21 mg |
| Niacin | 3.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.41 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.32 mg |
| Folate, total | 22.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 22.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 22.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 32.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.3 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 149 ug |
| Retinol | 93.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 577 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 200 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 1436 iu |
| Lycopene | 4639 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 367 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.07 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 0.08 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 0.02 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.10 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.1 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.30 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.3 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.3 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.7 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.10 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.37 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.34 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.08 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.1 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 3.6 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.63 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.53 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 0.40 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3i | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.56 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.49 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.04 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.46 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.07 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.07 g |
| Cholesterol | 45.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.14 g |
| Threonine | 0.40 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.56 g |
| Leucine | 0.93 g |
| Lysine | 0.84 g |
| Methionine | 0.28 g |
| Cystine | 0.12 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.47 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.34 g |
| Valine | 0.64 g |
| Arginine | 0.77 g |
| Histidine | 0.37 g |
| Alanine | 0.79 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.2 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.1 g |
| Glycine | 0.83 g |
| Proline | 0.85 g |
| Serine | 0.37 g |
| Hydroxyproline | 0.24 g |
FAQ
Is chili with beans considered healthy?
It can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet. It's a good source of protein and fiber. However, its healthfulness depends on the recipe—watch for high sodium and saturated fat from the meat. Using lean beef or turkey and plenty of beans and tomatoes makes it a more balanced meal.
Why do some chili recipes not include beans?
In Texas-style 'chili con carne' (chili with meat), beans are traditionally omitted to showcase the pure flavor of the beef and chili peppers. This style is often thicker and more meat-focused.
What's the best way to store and reheat leftover chili?
Cool it quickly, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot throughout.