There are those lazy days when I just want to kick back and relax. At those times, it’s either a hearty bowl of soup or warm bowl of chili that makes it perfect. One of my biggest rules when it comes to chili is that it should always be made with Ranch Style Beans. That is why you will always be greeted by a couple of cans of Ranch Style Beans in my pantry.
However, there was one time when I was craving a big bowl of chili after getting my rear kicked from work all day, and nearly let out a horror movie style scream when I opened my pantry door and saw no cans of Ranch Style Beans. I had forgotten to buy some while grocery shopping, but I did not give up and decided this would not be the end of my quest for a warm bowl of tasty chili.
Like any self-respecting sleuth, I scoured the internet and looked for a Ranch Style Beans substitute. Here is a handy list for those of you who are faced with the same culinary dilemma.
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Ranch Style Beans Substitute
1. Ancho Chili
Ranch Style Beans have a distinct smoky flavour, which is one of the reasons why finding a substitute is difficult. However, ancho chilies can do a great job as an alternative. Ancho chilis are dried chili peppers that are extremely popular in Mexican and Midwestern dishes. Try them with your bowl of chili and you’ll find them a great substitute. You never know, might even use them forever.
If you don’t have access to ancho chili, then you can also try other dried chili peppers like poblanos. This will give your chili a little kick of sweetness and cut out some of the spiciness. Try looking for different dried chili varieties and mix and match, according to your preference.
- Pro Tip: If you have a hard time looking for fresh ancho chilies, then try searching for ancho chili powder, which is readily available in most supermarkets or spice shops. Just be careful with the amount you put in, as ancho chili powders are really potent stuff.
2. Kidney Beans
Kidney beans (the red variety) will do the trick if you can’t find any Ranch Style Beans. Their taste is almost identical, and the consistency is practically the same. Choosing the right beans is very important to the success of your chili, so believe me when I tell you that red kidney beans won’t fail you.
White kidney beans tend to get drowned by the intense flavor of the chili, so it is imperative that you get the red variety. Just remember that the darker beans work best.
- Pro Tip: If red kidney beans are hard to find, then try looking for pinto beans, which are also a very good substitute for Ranch Style Beans.
3. Pick Some Fresh Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes are very important if you plan to use them in your chili. If you just use plain tomato sauce, then you will run the risk of making your chili a bit too sweet. I could not begin to tell you how many bowls of chili I’ve had to say no to because of their overall sweetness. Perfectly ripe tomatoes provide the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that make a hearty bowl of chilli irresistible.
- Pro Tip: If you live in a place where fresh tomatoes are hard to come by, then you can also use canned tomatoes. But make sure you choose a good brand because they will be of much higher quality. However, keep in mind that this is just for emergency situations, and nothing beats the taste of fresh tomatoes in any dish!
4. Ketchup, Ketchup, And More Ketchup!
If for some reason, tomatoes are not available, then ketchup might just be the solution to your chili craving. However, using ketchup in your chili recipe can get a little tricky as just a normal
amount of sugar or sweetener will turn your meaty chili into a bowl of sweet mush.
So, when you’re using ketchup in the chili, put just a small amount of sweetener in and adjust it, based on your taste.
- Pro Tip: Choose a brand that is not as sweet as the others. Some brands have “sweet” on the label and provide a more basic tomato flavor.
5. Garlic And Onion
A good ratio of garlic and onion is a must in any chilli dish, so add them to your recipe. Ranch Style Beans have a particular flavor that is primarily down to the garlic and onions. Try to choose fresh onions and garlic for the best results.
- Pro Tip: Powdered onion and garlic can be a surprisingly good substitute for the real thing. Just be sure to remember the proper ratio, as powdered onion and garlic tend to be stronger than the fresh variety.
6. Oregano
If you think that the fantastic chili you had for dinner was bold and smoky, then that could well be down to the oregano. So make sure that you find some good quality oregano if you want to make a good chili.
- Pro Tip: Oregano is fairly easy to buy in supermarkets, so it probably won’t be that hard to get. However, if you do have trouble finding it, then look for caraway seeds, which are another good substitute for your chili.
7. Taco Seasoning
If Ranch Style Beans are out, then try grabbing some taco seasoning instead. Most of these packaged lifesavers have chilies and oregano mixed in them, which makes them one of the best substitutes for Ranch Style Beans. I have had a lot of friends and acquaintances that use taco seasoning with their chili dishes and they confirm that it is indeed a good substitute.
You can also use packaged chili seasoning as it is almost the same thing. While it is great to use fresh ingredients, there are times when the packaged stuff works just as well.
- Pro Tip: Choose a taco seasoning that you are already familiar with. Brands differ from one to another and they can help you to adjust the flavor to your taste.
The Low Down
Chili is something that helps me to kick back and relax after a particularly hard day. There is just something comforting about being swaddled in a blanket with a big bowl of creamy chili while watching my favorite soaps. It is a no fuss, messy, and easy to cook dish that makes it perfect for those lonely Saturday nights.
Via The Hen Basket
Ranch Style Beans are absolutely perfect for making chili. However, there are other substitute ingredients that work just as well. I love making lists like these to help budding cooks understand that cooking is all about discovering other ways to produce dishes. Sometimes, simple substitutions can both delight and surprise those who dare to be different.
If you like this article, please feel free to share my list with anyone you know who might be interested in our topic. Don’t forget to write your comments about this list in the space below, and enjoy those fantastic chili nights!
