AmericanEasy · Hot
Mild Beef and Bean Chili
Cumin does all the heavy lifting here — it gives this chili that slow-cooked, smoky depth without a drop of heat that would send anyone running from the table. Ground beef and pinto beans stretch the pot generously, while diced bell pepper and tomato sauce round out a broth that tastes like it simmered for hours. Ladle it out and let everyone build their own bowl.
Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
50 min
Method
Prep
1
Dice the yellow onion. Mince the garlic. Peel and shred the carrots using a box grater so they blend into the chili unnoticed for picky eaters.
Build the Base
2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Cook the Meat
3
Push the onions to the side and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned, stirring occasionally.
Add Hidden Veggies and Spices
Simmer
5
Pour in the tomato sauce and drain and rinse the kidney beans. Stir everything together, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve
6
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and let everyone top their own with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of yogurt. Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side.
A
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -5
Calories
516
per serving
High in protein · 39gSource of fibre · 16gLow sugar · 7gLow saturated fat · 4g
Protein
39g
Carbs
53g
Fat
17g
Sat. fat
4g
Fiber
16g
Sugar
7g
Sodium
755mg
Gluten FreeDairy FreeNut FreeHeart HealthyDiabetes FriendlyLow Sodium AdaptableHigh ProteinHigh Fiber
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
E
Environmental impact
Very high impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
7.8
per serving
ECarbonBEU all-round· carbon sets the grade
Water
0.6m³
Runoff
0.1g P
Ground Beef drives 96% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
7
Umami
3
Sweet
5
Salty
3
Sour
1
Bitter
4
Spicy
Textures
TenderHeartyCreamy
Aromas
EarthySmokySavory
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
Dutch OvenCounter FootprintLarge
Techniques
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Ground beef must reach 160°F (71°C) internal temperature; use a meat thermometer to verify doneness rather than relying on color alone.
High Risk Population
Children under 5 and immunocompromised individuals require fully cooked beef at proper temperature; hidden vegetables do not reduce this risk.
Cross Contamination
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw ground beef and ready-to-eat toppings like cheese and sour cream; wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
Storage
Refrigerate chili within 2 hours of cooking; consume within 3-4 days; freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) until steaming.
Allergen Warning
Toppings are self-serve; individuals with milk allergy must skip cheese and sour cream; keep toppings separate to prevent cross-contact.
Handling
Handle raw ground beef with care; avoid tasting meat before it reaches safe temperature; ensure no undercooked portions remain especially in center of pot.
Pro Tips
Technique
Shred the carrots on the small holes of your box grater — they cook down silky and nobody catches them. My texture-sensitive kid would pick out visible carrot chunks but goes totally wild for this chili without a clue.
Substitution
No ground beef? Browned turkey or crumbled firm tofu work beautifully. Serve toppings in separate bowls so everyone builds their own bowl — the deconstructed approach keeps peace at my table.
From the chef
This chili was born on a chaos weeknight when my youngest refused everything except bread, my middle wanted 'red sauce,' and my oldest declared he was 'basically vegetarian now.' I needed one pot, one answer. The shredded carrots disappear completely — my seven-year-old thinks it just has 'extra tomato stuff' — while my husband gets all the warm cumin and paprika he Craves. Everyone eats the same bowl, together. That's the whole magic.
TagsOne PotKid FriendlyComfort FoodWeeknight DinnerMild
AllergensMilk
Source: generated · May 30, 2026