Main Course

White Bean Chili Recipe – Grandma’s Tasty Recipes

Name: White Bean Chili Recipe – Grandma’s Tasty Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 4 cans white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 carton low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, no need to thaw; 1 medium lime, juiced; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 medium celery stalks, diced; 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced green chiles, undrained; Sour cream or Greek yogurt; Diced avocado; Sliced scallions or green onions; Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Willie Regan August 4, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Intermediate

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Picture a chilly evening, the wind howling outside, and you’re wrapped in a soft blanket, holding a steaming bowl of chili. It’s one of those moments that wraps you in warmth, doesn’t it?

I’m excited to share my favorite white bean chili recipe, a dish that has become a staple in my home. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s straightforward to whip up, making it the perfect companion for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.

What is White Bean Chili?

White bean chili is a comforting twist on traditional chili. Instead of the usual black or kidney beans, this version highlights creamy white beans like cannellini or navy beans. These beans not only add a smooth texture but also absorb the spices and flavors beautifully.

With ingredients like corn, green chiles, and fresh lime, white bean chili feels zesty and bright, yet warm and inviting at the same time.

Why You’ll Love this White Bean Chili Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer. It embraces a simple set of ingredients that come together in harmony. You get the creaminess of the beans, the crunch of fresh veggies, and a hint of spice that’s perfect without being overwhelming.

What’s more? It’s plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. However, if you’re a meat lover, don’t worry; this dish can easily accommodate chicken or turkey. It’s versatile enough to please a crowd of any dietary preference.

The Ingredients

4 cans white beans, drained and rinsed

1 carton low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, no need to thaw

1 medium lime, juiced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

2 medium celery stalks, diced

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can diced green chiles, undrained

For garnish:

Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Diced avocado

Sliced scallions or green onions

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – cooking this white bean chili. Follow along as I guide you through the steps.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté these veggies until they are tender, about five to seven minutes.

Add the minced garlic towards the end of this step to avoid burning it. The aroma will fill your kitchen and set the stage for the deliciousness to come!

Step 2: Flavor It Up

Once your aromatics are tender, sprinkle in the ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika.

Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices, allowing them to toast for another couple of minutes. This step is crucial; it helps to deepen the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Broth

Now, it’s time to bring the chili together. Pour in your drained and rinsed white beans along with the carton of broth. If you’re using vegetable broth, it will lend a nice, rich flavor, but chicken broth works wonders too. Stir the mixture well to combine everything.

Step 4: Add Kick with Chiles and Corn

Next, throw in the undrained diced green chiles and the corn. Their sweetness adds a delightful contrast to the spices. Give it another stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Stir

Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. This is the time when all the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Finish with Freshness

Finally, remove the pot from heat. Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the chili and stir in the chopped cilantro. This adds a refreshing brightness that balances the deeper flavors beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way to enhance your chili-making experience:

Use Quality Beans: Canned beans can be hit or miss. Go for brands that are known for quality and flavor.
Adjust to Taste: Everyone has different heat tolerances. Tweak the chili powder or add fresh jalapeños if you like it spicy!
Don’t Rush the Simmering: This is key for flavor development. Letting it simmer allows all the ingredients to get to know each other.
Make It Ahead: Chili often tastes better the next day. Make it in advance and let the flavors develop.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t just stick to the usual. Try crunchy tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or a dollop of guacamole for a twist.

Nutrition Information

White Bean Chili Recipe Nutrition Facts

Can I Store White Bean Chili?

Absolutely! This chili is a champion at storing and reheating. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to five days.

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the leftovers in individual portions. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw and reheat. Easy peasy!

What Can I Serve with White Bean Chili?

This chili is a meal on its own, but if you want to make it a full-fledged feast, consider these options:

Cornbread: Soft, fluffy cornbread is a classic pairing.
Rice: Serve over a bed of rice; brown rice increases the health factor.
Tortilla Chips: Use them for dipping or as a crunchy topping.
Green Salad: A fresh salad can balance the richness of the chili.
Guacamole: Who doesn’t love creamy guacamole alongside a spicy dish?

Variations

This white bean chili recipe is not set in stone; it’s flexible! Here are some fun variations to consider:

Add Protein: Team up with shredded chicken or turkey for a meatier version. Just add it in before simmering for a heartier dish.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Customize your heat levels by adjusting how much you use.
Creamy Delight: Stir in some cream cheese or coconut milk towards the end for an ultra-creamy texture.
Veggie-Loaded: Add in diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Feel free to toss in whatever produce you have hanging around.
Cheesy Goodness: Top it with shredded cheese or cheese curds to melt over the hot chili just before serving. Extra savory goodness!

Conclusion

There you have it! A white bean chili recipe that’s full of flavor, warmth, and comfort. It’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary needs while remaining simple and delicious.

Whether you’re curling up on a cold night or feeding a crowd, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy every warm, cozy spoonful! Happy cooking!

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White Bean Chili Recipe – Grandma’s Tasty Recipes

Author: Willie Regan Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 1 hr

Servings: 6 Calories: 475

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Picture a chilly evening, the wind howling outside, and you’re wrapped in a soft blanket, holding a steaming bowl of chili. It’s one of those moments that wraps you in warmth, doesn’t it?