Substitute For Beans In Chili – 9 Options!

Whether you can’t eat beans, don’t like the taste of them or you just don’t have any on hand, learn what to substitute for beans in chili!

There is no recipe more comforting than chili, am I right? And here is a fun fact. My famous traditional chili recipe was the first one to really take off on my blog. There is a good reason for that, too. It is a really good soup recipe that people adore.

Here are a few things I adore about chili:

• It is appropriate for any season.
• So many toppings can be thrown into the mix.
• It’s the most comforting dish of all time.

Whether you cannot eat beans or they are missing from your pantry, you can still make and enjoy a batch of chili. Ditch the chili beans and replace them with one of many food substitutes.

Read on for some great suggestions. First, though, let’s hook you up with the perfect recipe. Browse through the following options!

Best Beans For Chili

Below are types of chili beans that can be swapped out for other ingredients. Although they are a great source of protein, you may be searching for bean substitutes.

• Pinto beans
• Red kidney beans
• White kidney beans
• Black beans
• Cannellini beans
• Great northern beans
• Navy beans
• Fava beans

Chili Recipes

• Whether you’re avoiding beans or just don’t have them on hand, chili can still be delicious! This chili without beans will satisfy every hungry belly at your table.
• Don’t use any old chili recipe to pile on top of hot dogs. Make hot dog chili sauce with yummy meat, onions and spices!
• This easy chili recipe is a super comforting dish that is packed with flavor and requires only 30 minutes of your time. 
• Instant Pot turkey chili offers a delicious meal packed with meat, white beans and veggies. This flavorful meal will quickly become a dinner favorite!
• Change up your regular chili this week by making this delicious white chili with turkey, corn and white beans! Go spicy or make it mild. Either way, you will fall in love!
• This chili mac is the perfect marriage of two of the most comforting comfort foods of all time. Delicious way to use up leftover chili!

Substitute For Beans In Chili

Any of the below are great substitute options for beans. Peruse the list below to select a good alternative that work for you and the people you are cooking for!

Note: Altering ingredients in any recipe may require you to adjust the cooking time and may alter the overall flavors of the dish.

1. Add up to 1 extra pound of ground meat for an excellent substitute with fewer carbs – Ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, venison or pork sausage.
2. Replacing up to 2 cups chopped vegetables is a great choice and one of the best substitutes – Cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, bell pepper, white or portobello mushrooms, sweet peas or split peas, carrots, zucchini or butternut squash.
3. Include up to 2 cups chopped potatoes for a great alternative high in fiber – Cut russet potatoes, red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes into small pieces or use sweet potatoes for a sweet flavor.
4. Adding up to 2 cups of soy is an excellent alternative and great low carb option – Tofu, edamame, whole soybeans or texturized vegetable protein.
5. Replace beans with up to 1 cup cooked grains for a really good substitute – Quinoa, white rice, brown rice, barley or farro.
6. Substitute beans with up to 1 cup cooked gluten-free grains – Grits, polenta or corn.
7. Including up to 1 cup cooked legumes is a great gluten free option – Chickpeas (aka, garbanzo beans), lima beans or black-eyed peas.
8. Add up to 1 cup cooked lentils to add a nice texture – Brown, green or red lentils.
9. Add a can of tomato paste to add a rich flavor and for a thicker consistency without adding chunky ingredients.

How Long Does Chili Last In The Fridge

If you are unsure about how to store leftover chili or whether your batch is still fresh, click over for all the info!

What To Serve With Chili

Dinner rolls are a great option to serve with this bowl of comfort. Chopped salad and garlic bread are delicious options, too!

Chili Dinner Ideas

Chili dinners are so comforting! If you’re looking to round out your meal, look through this roundup about what to serve as appetizers for chili dinner.

How To Thicken Chili

If you’ve made a batch of chili and want it to be thicker, here are a few tips that will help you fix it! Read on for tips about how to thicken chili.

What To Do With Chili Leftovers

If you have leftovers, check out these delicious recipes to help use them up:

• Baked Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Best Ever Chili Dogs
• Chili Mac and Cheese
• Chili-Topped Baked Potatoes

FAQ About Chili