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Ham And Bean Chili
BeansDinnerHealthy Eating

Ham And Bean Chili

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.8 (32 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Ham And Bean Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 30g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 344 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Ham And Bean Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Ham And Bean Chili to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Ham And Bean Chili, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes,
  • undrained
  • 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans,
  • rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans,
  • rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans,
  • rinsed and drained
  • 1 (8 ounce) jar picante sauce
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced ripe
  • olives, drained
  • 1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Shredded Cheddar cheese

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

In a large saucepan, cook the ham, onion, green pepper and garlic in oil until tender

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Stir in tomatoes, beans, picante sauce, tomato sauce and water if desired

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Stir in olives, bouillon, thyme, salt and pepper

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Garnish with cheese.

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories344 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein30gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates35gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat11gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Ham And Bean Chili

This chef-curated Ham And Bean Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.8 from 32 votes
Ham And Bean Chili
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories17% DV
344 kcal
Protein60% DV
30g
Fat14% DV
11g
Carbs13% DV
35g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: In a large saucepan, cook the ham, onion, green pepper and garlic in oil until tender

2

Technique & Execution: Stir in tomatoes, beans, picante sauce, tomato sauce and water if desired

3

Technique & Execution: Stir in olives, bouillon, thyme, salt and pepper

4

Technique & Execution: Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes

20:00
5

Technique & Execution: Garnish with cheese.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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