Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe

Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe

The Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe is warm, hearty and full of bold flavor. It’s made with tender beans, a rich tomato sauce and the perfect blend of spices.

This recipe is comforting, filling, and great for any meal. You can serve it on its own, with rice, or use it in tacos and burritos. It’s easy to make and tastes just like the famous Bush’s version you love.

When I First Tried Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe

I first had Bush’s Chili Beans at a family dinner. The smell of chili powder and garlic filled the kitchen, and the taste was incredible. It was spicy, smoky and slightly sweet.

I knew I had to try making it at home. After some testing, I found a version that tasted just as good — maybe even better!

Recipe Card Info

  • Recipe Name: Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe
  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Course: Side Dish, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American
  • Calories: 220 kcal per serving

Equipment List

  • Large pot or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener

Ingredients You Need for Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

2. Add Spices

Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release their aroma.

3. Add Tomato Sauce and Water

Pour in tomato sauce and water. Stir well to combine everything.

4. Add the Beans

Add pinto beans to the pot and mix gently so they don’t break.

5. Simmer Slowly

Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and the beans soak up all the flavor.

6. Taste and Adjust

Add salt and black pepper to taste. If you like it spicy, add a little more cayenne.

Tips to Make the Best Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe

  • Use canned beans to save time.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce.
  • You can use black beans or kidney beans instead of pinto.
  • Add cooked ground beef or turkey for a meaty version.
  • Let the beans rest for a few minutes before serving — it deepens the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with white rice or cornbread.
  • Add to tacos, burritos, or nachos.
  • Use it as a topping for baked potatoes.
  • Enjoy it as a side dish with grilled meats.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover chili beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Information

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories220 kcal
Carbohydrates34 g
Protein10 g
Fat5 g
Fiber8 g
Sugar4 g
Sodium370 mg

FAQs about Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe

Q1: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, soak and cook them first before using.

Q2: Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, skip the cayenne and use mild chili powder.

Q3: What beans can I use instead of pinto?
Black beans, kidney beans, or navy beans all work great.

Q4: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Q5: What can I add for more flavor?
Try adding diced tomatoes, green chilies, or hot sauce.

Conclusion

The Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe is cozy, flavorful, and so easy to make. It’s full of spices, soft beans, and rich tomato goodness.

Whether you eat it alone or use it in your favorite dishes, it always tastes amazing. Try it once, and it’ll become your go-to chili bean recipe for family meals!

Extra Wonderful Recipes

Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe

Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe

Sara Collins
The Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe is warm, hearty and full of bold flavor. It’s made with tender beans, a rich tomato sauce and the perfect blend of spices.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans 15 oz each pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Add Spices

  • Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release their aroma.

Add Tomato Sauce and Water

  • Pour in tomato sauce and water. Stir well to combine everything.

Add the Beans

  • Add pinto beans to the pot and mix gently so they don’t break.

Simmer Slowly

  • Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and the beans soak up all the flavor.

Taste and Adjust

  • Add salt and black pepper to taste. If you like it spicy, add a little more cayenne.

Notes

  • Use canned beans to save time.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce.
  • You can use black beans or kidney beans instead of pinto.
  • Add cooked ground beef or turkey for a meaty version.
  • Let the beans rest for a few minutes before serving — it deepens the flavor.
Keyword Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe

Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.