Classic Beef And Kidney Bean Chili
A comforting, protein-packed chili featuring lean ground beef, hearty kidney beans, and crushed tomatoes. Perfect for steady energy and keeping blood sugar stable.
Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Total
40 min
Makes
4 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Total
40 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Large pot · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Chili always develops richer flavor as it sits. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days for an incredibly easy, high-protein lunch.
Do these three things first
- 1Prep kidney beans (rinsed)
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 5 steps complete
Next: Heat a splash of olive oil in…
- 01
Heat a splash of olive oil in…
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Dice the yellow onion and green bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Look for: softened
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add the lean ground beef to the…
Add the lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season generously with salt, black pepper, 1 to 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and a teaspoon of ground cumin. Cook until the beef is fully browned.
Look for: the beef is fully browned
Tap card to mark done - 03
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the…
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the drained kidney beans. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Reduce the heat to low
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes so the flavors can deepen and meld together.
Allow: 20 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 05
Ladle the hot chili into bowls and…
Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top each serving evenly with the shredded cheddar cheese so it melts over the top.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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