Go Back

Four-Bean Taco Chili

This hearty Four-Bean Taco Chili combines seasoned ground beef with a robust blend of kidney, great northern, butter, and black beans, simmered in a rich tomato and salsa base. Infused with taco seasoning and green chilies, it offers a comforting, flavorful meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 45 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 4641 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven Essential for browning meat and simmering the chili.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Heat-Proof Spatula For browning meat and stirring the chili.
  • 1 Colander For draining fat from beef and rinsing canned beans.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 3 cups tomato juice
  • 1 16 ounce jar salsa
  • 1 16 ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15.5 ounce can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15 ounce can butter beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
  • 1 4 ounce can chopped green chilies
  • 1 1.25 ounce package taco seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks until no pink remains.
  • Once the beef is fully browned, carefully drain off any excess fat from the pot.
  • Add the tomato juice, salsa, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chopped green chilies, and the entire package of taco seasoning to the pot with the browned beef. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  • Thoroughly rinse and drain all four types of canned beans (kidney, great northern, butter, and black beans) under cold water.
  • Add the rinsed and drained beans to the pot with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir gently to incorporate.
  • Bring the chili mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
  • Stir the chili occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
  • Serve the Four-Bean Taco Chili hot, optionally garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

For a richer flavor, ensure the ground beef is thoroughly browned and caramelized before draining the fat; this builds a crucial flavor base. Rinsing the canned beans is essential to remove excess sodium and improve the chili's overall clarity and texture. Simmering the chili for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen, transforming individual ingredients into a cohesive, savory dish. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for extra depth. This chili is highly adaptable; offer various garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or chopped red onion to customize each serving.