Dinner · Beef & Pork

Classic Beef & Bean Chili

Stretching one pound of beef across six hearty servings is exactly what beans were made for. This is the pot that quietly feeds you all week.

By Protein Per Dollar · June 12, 2026 · 6 servings

A bowl of beef and bean chili
16gprotein per dollar
Cost / serving
$1.95
Protein / serving
31g
Calories
410
Total time
50 min

Buying 30g of protein from this recipe costs about $1.89 — and you get 16g of protein for every dollar.

How to make it

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off the excess fat.

  2. Add the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes, until softened.

  3. Stir in the chili powder and cumin and let them toast for about 30 seconds.

  4. Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, and a cup of water. Season with salt and pepper.

  5. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring now and then, until thickened.

  6. Taste and adjust the salt. It's even better the next day, and it freezes well for up to three months.

#batch cook#freezer friendly