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
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 370 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
- Pumpkin Flower Recipe
- Mexene Chilli Powder Recipe
- Mountain Pie Recipe
- Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Bush’s Chili Beans Recipe
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.
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.













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