The $1.19 Target Find So Good I Buy 8 at a Time

I lucked out with my kids liking beans and legumes—chickpeas, black beans, white kidney beans, pinto beans, lentils; you name it, they'll eat them! Sometimes they request vegetarian meals because of the beans and will even ask me to open a can so that they can snack on them.

I've always made dried beans or bought canned beans with no additional seasoning, but about a year ago, I stumbled upon a recipe for chili soup that called explicitly for chili beans. Intrigued, I picked up Target's Good & Gather organic chili beans. The ingredients include pinto beans, tomato paste, spices, and salt.

They have a hint of heat but aren't spicy at all, making them super kid-friendly. They really made the chili soup recipe (and made it a lot easier), earning a spot in my pantry ever since. They're so versatile and delicious that I stock up on at least eight every time I shop. At $1.19 per can, they've become an invaluable go-to ingredient for a range of our favorite meals. 

Why I Love Target's Chili Beans

The number one reason I love these beans is because they come pre-seasoned. The built-in flavor base makes it even easier to create a delicious meal, quickly turning a basic dish into something extra-flavorful with the simple pull of a tab. Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:

• Chili in a flash: For a chili that's ready in 30 minutes but tastes like it's been simmering all day, I add a can or two of beans to a pot with some browned ground beef or turkey and peppers, sautéed vegetables, a can of diced tomatoes, and a spoonful of spices. For chili soup, add broth to the chili, season well, and serve with noodles or a side of cornbread.
• Tex-Mex simplified: On busy nights, I spoon warmed beans into taco shells along with our usual fixings for easy tacos. If we're in the mood for snacky nachos, I strain the beans and spoon them over tortilla chips with cheese, vegetables, and pickled jalapeños for the adults, then bake until the cheese is melty and delicious. The beans also pair well with leftover chicken and sauteed veggies for a hearty quesadilla or enchilada filling. 
• Chili-stuffed peppers: This is an old-school recipe from my single days. I stuff baked bell peppers (or poblanos) with cooked ground meat, rice, cheese, and chili beans, and bake until the peppers are tender.
• Baked potato upgrade: When I don't know what to make for dinner, a baked potato board is easy to assemble and always seems to please. I bake my potatoes until the skins are crispy and the centers soft, then serve them on a board with steamed broccoli, chili beans (or leftover chili), green onions, and other Tex-Mex toppings. Everyone serves themselves, and the kids have fun building their potatoes.
• The easiest rice bowls: One of the quickest dinners I make involves serving warmed beans over brown rice and topping with avocado, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a side of blistered shishito peppers. Yum! 

I consider myself lucky with my kids' love for beans. They enjoy them so much that I could probably add these beans to anything they're eating. If you don't have that same luxury, Target's Good & Gather chili beans could change that for you.  They're an easy, flavorful, and fuss-free protein that instantly elevates the flavor of many dishes, the ideal pantry essential for anyone looking to add a delicious twist to their meals.