Bush's Chili Recipes & Black Bean Brownies

Hi everyone, back in February I mentioned that I had the opportunity to visit Napa Valley on a invite from Bush's Beans. Our mission was to cook up some awesome chili recipes at the beautiful Culinary Institute of America. We spent an entire day in the CIA kitchen cooking and tasting chili recipes created for Bush's by Connie Guttersen, R.D., PhD.  

All of the chili recipes that we prepared were very different from the traditional Texas Chili that I am used to. You see real Texas Chili does not contain any beans. Out here in Texas they say "if you no beans about chili, then you no chili ain't got no beans" Well I consider myself a Texan just like the rest of them, but I have always added beans to my chili.

I guess I'm a little bit different when it comes to certain things. To me it's really your own preference, so if you like beans in your chili then by all means add them. After cooking up and tasting all of the different chili recipes at the CIA, all I can say is I never knew CHILI COULD TASTE SO GOOD!!! and all the chili recipes contained beans. 

The chili recipes I am talking about are pictured above. Spicy Black Bean & Corn Chowder, White Bean Chili Verde W/Sonoma Pesto and Chicken & Kidney Bean Spanish Stew. You can click here to view and print all three of these amazing chili recipes and give them a try for yourself. You wont be disappointed in any of them. 

While we were in Napa I learned so much about the healthy benefits of beans. You see I always knew beans were good for you, but I never knew how versatile they were. I learned that you could incorporate beans in so many different recipes. 

You can add them to stews, soups, chili, pasta, hummus, dressing, dips and desserts. Yes even desserts!!!! You see my kids wont eat beans unless I disguise them. That goes the same for a few certain veggies as well. 

Did you know that you could add beans to brownies, bars and cookies and the kiddos wont even know they are eating them. I am so loving this part. I couldn't wait to be sneaky and start incorporating beans into the kids diets.

I tried out my first sneaky recipe by adding Bush's Black Beans to a homemade brownie recipe. I couldn't wait to get feedback from my kids. I just sat and watched when I told my son Mommy made homemade brownies!!!! Carsons face just light up, that boy loves a good brownie. 

I sat and watched as Carson took a bite then another. Does he like them? can he tell? what do you think Carson? Mom those are the best brownies. SCORE!!!!!!!! There are a few folks that don't believe me when I say you cannot taste the beans, but its true you cant. I ate some of the brownies and they really are good.

I snapped a photo of Mr. Picky Pants eating the Black Bean Brownies. But to Carson they are just good old fudge brownies. 

Umm all that chocolaty goodness and you cant even detect the beans. You will find the recipe for these brownies at the end of this post. I hope you like them as much as my little guy does. My next project is to make cookies with the addition of white beans.

Check out all of the fantastic bean recipes visit beansthevegetablewithmore.





Black Bean Brownies

2 - ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
1 - 15 oz can bush's black beans, drained & rinsed & pureed
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 - cup vegetable shortening
2 - large eggs
1 - 1 1/4 cups sugar (your preference)
1/4 - cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 - teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 - cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. If you want thicker brownies you can use a 8 x 8 x 2 inch pan. Melt the chocolate and shortening together over simmering water or in the microwave. 


I used a pot of water and added a glass bowl on top to make a double boiler. Cool chocolate slightly. In a mixing bowl beat the eggs well then add the sugar, vanilla and pureed black beans. 

I pureed my black beans with my blade attachment to my hand mixer adding the 1/4 cup water. You can puree them in a food processor or a blender as well. If using a blender you may need a bit more water. 

When the chocolate is cool add to the egg and bean mixture blending well. Sift together the flour, salt and baking powder. Add the flour mixture into the chocolate. Make sure everything is mixed together thoroughly. 

Spread the batter evenly into a prepared pan and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool and cut into squares.

Brownie recipe inspired by: Georgia Cooking in a Oklahoma Kitchen.

115 comments

Anonymous said…
i can't wait to try to sneek some beans into our food somewhere! Love the giveaway, it woudl be great fin to see the cookbook! anne
Hollie said…
What a great giveaway! The cookbook sounds wonderful. My family LOVES beans, so there is no sneaking around here. We put them in everything. Our favorite chili recipe is WHITE CHILI. I am able to sneak in good things like chiles, chopped spinach and red onion.
Hoping to win! Oh, and I can't wait to make Black Bean Brownies. How fun!
-Hollie in Nebraska
Jenette said…
I shared it with all my friends on facebook! What an awesome experience you got to have! :)
Jenette said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michele said…
Oh my, I would LOVE to win that fun basket of goodies!!! My favorite chili recipe with beans is PW White Chicken Chili, but your chili verde is on my menu for this weekend and I can't wait to try it.
Tiffanee said…
Wow the black bean brownies intrigue me! I love black beans. My favorite chili recipe is just one I just put together. No exact recipe, just ingredients and lots of taste testing. I like using a couple of different types of beans in it. We love chili around here.
Thanks!!
Michele said…
I'm a facebook fan now!
Wow-what a great giveaway! I love Ranchero chili that I make in the crockpot-easy and yummy.-thesteady5@gmail.com
Gosfam said…
Our fave recipe is a take on chili and taco soup. It has Kidney Beans, and Black Beans in it. So YUMMY!! My daughters love it with sour cream and dipping chips into it.

mattles22 at yahoo dot com
Tricia said…
White Bean Chili
Gosfam said…
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/gosfam/status/12233471852
Gosfam said…
Became a facebook fan: Gosfam
My favorite chili is classic tomato sauce based with kidney beans.

amberflenniken AT yahoo DOT com
Stephanie said…
My favorite chili recipe is one I've posted on my blog - http://baskersfunfoods.blogspot.com/2009/07/home-style-chili-freezer-meal.html

I've made flourless chocolate cake with beans, it turned out so rich and chocolaty! I'll have to give those brownies a try.
Tina Butler said…
Hi Stephanie I made a original version with just a brownie mix and a can of black beans and a can of water. The brownies turned our so thick like fudge. I thought of trying a homemade version so they were not as thick and fudgy. These were much better.
Anonymous said…
My favorite recipe is Taco Soup. It uses Bush's Chili beans in it! Yummo! Thanks for a great giveaway!
Laura said…
My favorite chili recipe is my mom's sweet chili recipe. So yummy!
Misintx said…
I can't wait to try these browines. I recently made the marshmallow brownies you've posted, everyone loved them. I can't wait to try combining this black bean brownie recipe with that one.Thanks for the great ideas. My favorite chili recipe is Chipotle Chicken Chili.
Thanks :)
Margie
Ted said…
Chili Branco


5 chicken breasts cooked and cut up in small squares.
1 chopped onion
1 tbls garlic

(cook onion and garlic in ½ stick butter)

when it's nice and golden add:
1 tbls salt
6 cans of great north white beans (rinse the beans before add)
1 tbls of cumin
1 tsp of black pepper
3 cans of chicken broth
2 4 oz can of diced green chilis
¾ tbls of cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tbls of oregano

Add the chicken and leave on medium heat for 15 to 20 min.
Turn off the burner let it cool a little bit and add:
1 cup of wipping cream
3 cups of sour cream
Unknown said…
What a great giveaway!

My favorite recipe is Pantry Chili --

chopped onions - sauteed w/ EVOO
tomato paste (browned a little w/ the onions)
chopped garlic
canned tomatoes
3 cans beans (favorite is mix of black, red & pinto -- but cannelini, dark red, garbanzo, and lentils are also great -- just use whatever you have in the pantry)
Seasonings (chili powder, chopped chipotles, cumin, oregano, cilantro, cayenne, etc)
corn meal/masa (for thickening)

Also use ground turkey(browned w/ EVOO), if adding meat.

It never tastes the same since there is no exact recipe, but it always seems to hit the spot.

ENTRY#1
Unknown said…
Just became a fan on Facebook

ENTRY #2
~Mo~ said…
This is such a neat recipes, will have to try it! I would love to enter your giveaway!
thanks!
~Mo~ said…
This is such a neat recipes, will have to try it! I would love to enter your giveaway!
thanks!
Anonymous said…
Hi Tina! Love your blog I check every day to see what you're up to . Brownies look great I,m going to try them to fool myself ,not a big bean eater.Please tell Carson we love his Kool-Aid pie!! Nice give away ! Keep up the wonderful blog & hope you're feeling better.
Cindy said…
Our favorite chili is good old fashion red chili with extra beans in it.

Can't wait to try these brownies in the next few days!!!
Cindy said…
I'm also a fan on FB :)

Cindy L-J
Melissa said…
I always make the chili recipe on the back of the chili seasoning packet! It good and has beens! Would love the gift basket.
Becky said…
wow I think I will have to try this, I can't get my daughter to eat beans but this just might work!! I love taco soup which is just a red chili with tortilla chips :)
fourkidsmom said…
We love white bean chili. SOOOOO good.
Teresa
Katy said…
Just found your site today and love it! My husband just found out he has high cholesterol and is freaking out because he is only 32! He told me he needs to eat more beans and less meat... and then I find your post today! Can't wait to try the chili's and brownies! Would love to win the cookbook so I will know what to cook for my sweet hubby!

Katy in Georgia!
Anonymous said…
Our favorite chili recipe is just hamburger, etc. with kidney beans. We also like white chicken chili with white beans. I am putting the brownies on my must do this week-end list. Chili recipes look great.

Elizabeth H
bayahh@verizon.net
Miss M.J. Ma'am said…
I've tried the brownies before and love them! We all love beans here,I just made chili using lots of kidney beans and black beans. Fun giveaway!
Kristin said…
Soy Chorizo Chili

1 package of soy chorizo
16 oz can of kidney beans
1 diced onion
4oz can diced green chiles
2-3 tbs olive oil
16 oz can tomato sauce
16 oz can diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder

Heat the olive oil over medium high heat. add the chorizo to the pan and continue cooking until the chorizo is done. Stir chorizo mixture and remaining ingredients in the crockpot.Cook on low 4-6 hours. This chili is spicy so you will need sour cream and/cheese to tone it down for kids.
Unknown said…
Chili is my favorite, anytime of the year, food! In the summer I make a white chicken chili that is light and spicy (in the crock pot of course) and in the winter I made a hearty red bean and tomato base chili. I hope I win this contest, I can REALLY go for some chili now maybe that will be my WFD tonight!
Thanks for all your inspiration...you rock!
Unknown said…
I live in New Mexico and chili and beans are a must almost 2 to 3 times a week. My favorite is frito pie or green chile stew. I LOVE!!! this GREAT!!! giveaway. THANKS!!!
Geri
Unknown said…
Became a fan on facebook.
Geri
Julie said…
I LOVE Napa Valley. I love chili too! Thanks for the give a way. The basket is great!
Kristin said…
I left my chorizo chili recipe a while ago and now put the giveaway information up for all my friends to see on facebook. I'm also a fan on facebook.
Tara said…
I don't think there is any chili recipe that I don't like and I'm definitely a bean lover...Black beans are the BEST!! Can't wait to try the brownies...they look heavenly!!!
Tara said…
already a FB friend! gonna go share with my friends now!! ;o)
Sarah said…
What a great giveaway!! I love using beans in recipes - we eat a lot of soups and beans are a definite staple. I think my current favorite chili recipe is a taco soup and chili combination. No meat, just pinto beans, chili beans, black beans and kidney beans along with any veggies I want to add in. (some spices too..but I am still working on a good alternative to those taco seasnoning packets). Yum! I have actually been eating this all week for lunch.
Love your blog and I have a bunch of your recipes on my May menu :)
Nan said…
My favorite chili was my grandfather's own recipe. Yum!
Julie said…
what a great giveaway:) my favorite chili is Tabasco Chili...yum! I love beans and can't wait to try the brownie recipe!
Julie said…
I just became a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on facebook:)
Julie said…
I tweeted the post:)
Shanon said…
This is a great giveaway!! We love beans in our house and put them in everything!!

Our favorite is Vegetarian chili, we use about 6 different kinds of beans. yummmmm
Those look so good! My current favorite is PW's chili with added Ranch Style Beans...YUM. I'll have to sneak beans into my husband's desserts now...
I'm a facebook fan now!
Not sure if this counts, but I also added Mommy's Kitchen to my page's favorites (Delightful Country Cookin').
Juanita said…
Love this giveaway! And my favorite chili recipe with beans is my hubby's chili and it's called Big Rob's chili! Have a blessed day!
Juanita
bakes with love said…
Oh My can't wait to try the Black Bean Brownies,very excited!That gift basket looks very nice too..In my Chili I always use bush beans,I know some people start with a chilli roll..not sure what's up with that,never tried it..I like using V8 juice also in mine and different spices,tomato paste/sauce..cook it in the crock pot all day..bring out those spices..plus this meal,is like many meals in one! I can have chilli the first nite,chilli dogs then next,walking taco,and so on..
Stacie said…
I always used to say that I didn't like black beans and then I tried them and now I love them. I have never had a black bean chili but would love to try them. The chili that I make uses kidney beans and then we also add green beans! Staciele(at)netins(dot)net
Shannon Sanford said…
What a great giveaway!!
My favorite chili is quick and easy and goes great on top of some fritos with shredded cheese on top!!!
Browned hamburger,sausage,onion, garlic, green bell pepper, tomato sauce, one can of pinto beans, one can of red beans and seasoning. Yummy!
I also shared your site with my friends!! Hopefully they will find it as helpful as I have :o)
Thank you for all your yummy recipes!!
Lana said…
Hi, I posted your giveaway on my facebook profile page. The chili I make is what my mom made when I was growing up. It has hamburger, tomato juice, tomato sauce, one can of chili beans, onion,chili seasoning mix and some spaghetti broken into bite size pieces. I Love chili. I eat it all year long!
Oklahoma Granny said…
What a great giveaway. And of course I'd love to win a cookbook.
MandLmom said…
I have a chili recipe that's been handed down to me from my mom, I would say it's just your traditional chili. We use kidney beans in it.
MandLmom said…
I shared the giveaway on my FB page!!!
Unknown said…
My recipe is nothing fancy. Just your basic chili.

ground beef browned
package of chili seasoning
2 cans of bushs chili beans
2 cans of chili tomatoes

put it in the crockpot serve with corn muffins = yummy
Kerri said…
We use Wick Fowler's 2-Alarm Chili

Combine Ingredients in Package with:
2 lb of ground beef;
1 - 8 oz can of tomato sauce;
2 - 8 oz cans of water.

1. Brown 2 lb of ground or cubed beef. Drain fat.

2. Add the following and stir: 1 - 8 oz can of tomato sauce; 2 - 8 oz cans of water; seasoning packets (salt optional), except packets labeled Red Pepper and Masa Flour. For hot chili stir in the entire red pepper packet; for medium chili add 1/2 the red pepper packet; for mild chili omit red pepper.

3. Cover and simmer 30 min or until meat is tender, stirring occasionally. For thicker chili, stir Masa Flour into 1/4 cup warm water. Stir into chili and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Make it your own by adding one or more of the following: Chopped onion or green peppers when browning the meat; 1 - 15 oz Can of kidney or pinto beans; 1 - 15 oz Can diced tomatoes (drained)

Top it off with shredded cheese or sour cream. Makes 6 - 8 oz servings.
Kerri said…
I have shared this giveaway on Facebook
Tiff said…
My husband thinks he doesn't like chili, so I hardly ever make it. I did love "Jamie's Chili" (a Paula Deen recipe), though.
My favorite is the White Bean Chili. I am going to make the brownies with black beans this weekend-yummy! Love the giveaway. Thanks!
I like an easy chili with just meat, tomatoes and pinto beans. These look delicious. Looking forward to trying something new.
Posted to my facebook page.
Unknown said…
My favorite recipe is good ol Chili Mac, which you can find on my blog here. http://angelfoodskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/02/chili-mac.html
Unknown said…
I added you on my Face Book page!
sheila said…
Wow this giveaway is great. Cant wait to try the brownies on my sone lol hes so picky and will not eat beans, lol I love to use bush's beans when i make chili using the wick fowlers chili kit.. so yummy
jderouin55 said…
Hi I like white chili made with chicken and white beans
That is a FANTASTIC giveaway! I can't believe I am not already a "fan" on facebook!

So, count me in for two entries! :)

And I am gonna have to try those brownies!

PS(as a fellow Texan) I LOVE my chili with beans thank you (unless it is on a hot dog)
annemarie said…
I really love just basic chili but the pioneer womans recipe is also very good. Great giveaway.
Sheila said…
We love beans in this house. My favorite way to use them is in red beans and rice--I'm from southwest Louisiana!! I also make a great pot of 15 bean soup, chili with 3 beans and so much more.
Unknown said…
I love White bean Chili!
momof2girls said…
We use beans all the time. I love them most in my White Chicken Chili recipe. Especially good when it's cold out!
marymac said…
I make traditional chili most of the time. I use onions gr. beef tomato soup or tomato juice, chili powder, sometime I use venison, but I prefer beef. I also prefer the dark kidney beans.
Leah T said…
Tina, I'm from Illinois. And up there, we spell chilli with two l's and we definitely put beans in it. My favorite chilli with beans was my grandpa's, but he never wrote down the recipe. So I've created my own turkey chilli that I love: http://dinner-made-easy.blogspot.com/2010/01/chilli.html
dianne said…
My chili recipe is so secret that even I don't know the recipe. Just some browned ground beef, some tomato sauce and paste, onions, a can or two of diced tomatoes, and a few cans of bush's beans. I use a variety, usually pinto, mixed, and northern. Now don't go sharing this with anybody.
Dianne
Alissa M said…
I love chili with kidney beans - red kidney beans! SOo good!!
Joan said…
Hi Tina!
My favorite Chili is one I got from my Mother In Law for Kentucky Chili. It actually has spaghetti noodles in it, and regular Bush's pinto beans! Hands down it is my families favorite. I hope to post this on my blog soon.
I am also going to post this on my facebook account.
Thanks, have a great weekend!
Joan
LOVE the idea of sneaking beans in for extra nutrition but in brownies...this we HAVE to try! Thanks for another great recipe, Tina. :)
Anonymous said…
I have a great recipe that uses 3 types of beans in the chili. I make it during the winter in my crockpot.
sharon
shadra01@sbcglobal.net
Siggy said…
It is a toss up between White Chicken Chili and my hubby's chili. He makes his with stew meat, ground pork, and a bunch of other things I am not allowed to know about, lol!
Siggy said…
OH, I am already a fan on FB, but just linked to the giveaway :)
Mishell said…
We love straight-up Cowboy Beans! Great with cornbread.
Terri said…
I just got my 18 year old picky eater to eat beans so this is a great post for me, I LUV all your post though
Amy in ne said…
I'm chuckling because I guess I am a little different too when it comes to chili: Our chili contains ONLY beans-no meat. We use a standard chili seasoning and add whatever beans we have on hand but I really like a combo of kidney and navy beans. We also add onion, tomato, corn and celery. And sometimes, to keep things lively, we will add jalepenos! I have to try the brownies!!!
amy in ne
Joanna said…
I don't have a recipe for my favorite chili...it changes every time I make it. I'm a Texas, but I always put beans in my chili.

jojo17 at gmail dot com
Jennifer said…
I like to use the spice packet that comes in the little brown bag/pouch at the grocery store & add lots of extras like red peppers, onions, garlic & corn. My husband doesn't like beans so I add them to 1/2 for my daughter & I and leave his plain. I love topping it with cheese and sour cream if I have it.
I have tried the brownies before. I may have over cooked them, but they weren't bad. my boys LOVE beans though!

I also have an award for you!
http://outtatheboxintothekitchen.blogspot.com/2010/04/and-one-more-award.html
Susan said…
I love your blog and subscribe to it thru google reader.
Susan said…
I also Tweeted about the giveaway!
Susan said…
And became a fan on Facebook...never knew you were there!
Denise said…
My favorite chili recipes are really any from a packet or jar... easy to mix with just a pound of meat and a can of beans :) I will have to try the bean and brownie recipe. I made zucchini brownies last year!
Magi said…
Love those recipes esp using beans!
Here's a quick chili recipe I found years ago on the web:

1 hour chili

In a large pot add:

48 oz can of V-8 juice
3-4 Tablespoons chili powder or more to taste
2 heaping teaspoons cumin
1 medium chopped onion
1 large chopped carrot
½ of a 16 oz jar of mild salsa
½ of a red bell pepper
1 can chopped tomatoes

Bring to a low boil and add:

1-1/2 lbs browned lean ground beef
2 cans Bush’s chili beans

simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Makes 8 bowls

During simmer, leave the lid cracked to allow steam to escape
Kristin said…
Just became a fan on Facebook and checking out your web site for recipes. There are so many I want to try! Great site and I am excited about the giveaway!!
Laurie Rogers said…
Chili is on our menu tomorrow...can't wait,'cause the weather is cool here in PA. I'm definitely going to try your brownies...I haven't had a bad "Mommy's Kitchen" recipe yet!
Tizzy said…
I always make chili with black beans and red kidney beans. Would love to win the gift basket.

Tizzy
Barbi said…
Hi there! Love the brownie recipe! I cant wait to give it a try. We have just recently started to cook with beans.

I would love that cookbook!

Barbi :)
Elizabeth said…
What a great giveaway! I add beans to a lot of stuff. Chicken and Bean Enchiladas are our current favorite use for beans!
Tiff said…
My favorite chili recipe is a recipe that includes pumpkin. It makes the chili so smooth, which juxtaposes the chunkiness!
Tiff said…
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/tifscatku/status/12472720465
Cheryl Wade said…
I tweeted the contest

http://twitter.com/twtycw
Cheryl Wade said…
I love to add navy beans to my chili. My hubby is not a fan of the traditional kidney bean so I stir in the navy beans close to the end of cooking. They go over well.
Jackie Wamhoff said…
Actually, I don't have a good chili recipe yet so I'll have to try one of yours! :-)
Unknown said…
The kiddos prefer hubby's chili... a simple recipe with beef, chili beans, onions, peppers, and tomato juice. I prefer white chili.... YUM!!!
Unknown said…
My family loves regular home made beef chili and cornbread!! I am definately going to try your recipe for chili tho! I have been able to get my children to eat SO MANY DISHES from your recipes!
Unknown said…
Chili is always a favorite of ours. I use all kinds of Bush's beans in my recipe.The more kinds the better.
AikoArt said…
Thanks for such great info. I had no idea that sneaking beans into brownies would ever work.
Carey said…
White chicken chili is a favorite. Also, suggested you to my friends on facebook!
Words You Want said…
My favorite recipe is Red Beans and Rice. So yummy and perfect for parties or rainy days.
connie said…
We love Chili with beans. I usually just start with recipe on the back of the package and add ingredients until as spicey as we like it.
Bill said…
I am a Texan and I have never used beans in my Chili..However, just because Tina says so, I will.

I love Bush's baked beans, especially the Bourbon and Brown Sugar. Dang those things are good!
Soozcat said…
We loves us some beans in this household, even if my niece likes to call them "poor man food." She doesn't get it yet, but she will. (And she never fails to clean her plate, so maybe she's already starting to get it.)
marla said…
I must try these black bean brownies- they look awesome!
Anonymous said…
Can you use butter instead of veg oil?