Authentic Leakey-Style Chili Beans
Inspired by my cherished memories of Grandma Rowan's cooking in the small Texas town of Leakey, this recipe captures the true essence of Texas-style chili beans. Grandma's secret was her unique blend of spices, which I have tried to replicate using Carroll Shelby's Chili Kit. While it's been challenging to find the exact ingredients she used, this version remains a beloved family favorite. The combination of tender pinto beans, savory ground beef, and aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection will transport you straight to the heart of Texas. Serve it hot with a side of flaky cornbread, and enjoy a taste of tradition that has been passed down through generations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hamburger
1 lb (ground)
Carroll Shelby Chili Kit
1 (4 ounce) package (use 1/3 of the package)
Onion
1 medium (diced)
Garlic
2 cloves (chopped fine)
Tomato Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
Dry Pinto Beans
1 lb (sorted and rinsed)
Instructions
1
Sort and clean the dry pinto beans by removing any debris, rocks, or damaged beans. Rinse them under cold water and place them in a 5 or 6-quart Dutch oven. Fill the pot with fresh water and bring it to a boil. Allow the beans to boil for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them soak for at least 1 hour. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans, returning them to the pot.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground hamburger along with the diced onion and chopped garlic until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet before adding approximately 1/3 of the Carroll Shelby Chili Kit, along with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Mix in the tomato sauce and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3
Transfer the chili mixture to the pot with the beans. Fill the Dutch oven with fresh water to cover the beans, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately one hour, or until the beans are tender and the flavors are well combined.
4
Serve the chili hot with freshly made cornbread, and offer sliced tomatoes and cucumbers soaked in vinegar as side accompaniments.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Authentic Leakey-Style Chili Beans?
This recipe is inspired by the traditional Texas-style cooking of Grandma Rowan from the small town of Leakey, Texas.
What are the primary ingredients in this chili bean recipe?
The main ingredients include dry pinto beans, ground hamburger, a medium onion, garlic cloves, tomato sauce, and Carroll Shelby Chili Kit.
What kind of beans should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dry pinto beans that have been sorted and rinsed.
How do I prepare the dry pinto beans?
Sort and clean the beans, boil them for 5 minutes, let them soak for at least 1 hour, then drain and rinse before final cooking.
Which chili kit is recommended for this dish?
Carroll Shelby's Chili Kit is used to help replicate the unique spice blend of the original family recipe.
Do I use the entire Carroll Shelby Chili Kit?
No, you only use approximately 1/3 of the package to achieve the desired flavor profile.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of ground hamburger.
What size pot should I use for cooking the chili beans?
A 5 or 6-quart Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe.
How should the hamburger be prepared?
The ground hamburger should be browned in a skillet with diced onion and chopped garlic until fully cooked.
Do I need to drain the meat after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the skillet before adding the spices and tomato sauce.
What vegetables are included in the meat mixture?
One medium diced onion and two cloves of finely chopped garlic are simmered with the meat.
When do I add the tomato sauce?
Add the 8-ounce can of tomato sauce to the browned meat and onion mixture before letting it simmer for 15 minutes.
How long does the meat mixture simmer on its own?
The meat, spices, and tomato sauce should simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the chili beans?
Yes, you can add salt and cayenne pepper to taste during the meat preparation stage.
How long do the beans cook after combining with the meat?
Once combined, the mixture should simmer for approximately one hour or until the beans are tender.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the chili hot with flaky cornbread and a side of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers soaked in vinegar.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is a beloved family favorite passed down through generations, originating from the creator's grandmother.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chili beans, texas recipe, tex mex, comfort food, pinto beans, and ground beef.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is sorting and cleaning the dry pinto beans to remove debris or damaged beans.
How much water should I use to cook the beans?
Fill the Dutch oven with enough fresh water to cover the beans completely during the boiling and simmering stages.
What texture should the onion be?
The onion should be cooked until it is translucent.
What preparation is needed for the garlic?
The two garlic cloves should be chopped fine before being added to the meat.
Can I use canned beans instead?
While the recipe specifies dry pinto beans for authenticity, using canned beans would significantly change the cooking process and texture.
Is this recipe considered a soup or a stew?
It is categorized as a chili bean dish, falling under the general category of soups and stews.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 6 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
Why is the soaking step important for the beans?
Soaking allows the dry beans to soften slightly before the main cooking process, ensuring they become tender throughout.
What makes this 'Leakey-Style'?
The 'Leakey-Style' refers to the specific preparation and spice blend used by the creator's grandmother in Leakey, Texas.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, the recipe does not list sugar as an ingredient.
Does the recipe include dairy?
No, the base recipe for the chili beans is dairy-free.
What is the best way to clean the beans?
Rinse them under cold water after sorting through them for rocks or debris.