How many calories are in 8 ounces of chili with beans?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a single cup (8.7 ounces) of classic homemade beef chili with beans contains approximately 264 calories. This provides a useful baseline for understanding how many calories are in 8 ounces of chili with beans, though the exact amount varies significantly based on ingredients and preparation.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 8 ounces of chili with beans varies, with homemade versions typically ranging from 240-270 calories, and canned options sometimes having higher or lower counts depending on the brand and ingredients.

Key Points

Homemade vs. Canned: The number of calories in 8 ounces of chili with beans varies, with homemade versions averaging around 242-264 calories and canned varieties ranging from 254 to over 360 calories, depending on the brand and recipe.
Ingredient Impact: The type of meat, fat content, and overall recipe greatly influence the final calorie count. For instance, using lean ground beef or turkey results in a lower-calorie meal compared to fattier cuts.
Toppings Add Up: Calorie counts can increase significantly with high-calorie toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and corn chips, potentially adding hundreds of extra calories.
Vegetarian Option: Vegetarian chili made with beans is a low-calorie, high-fiber alternative, with some versions containing as few as 106 calories per cup.
Sodium and Additives: Homemade chili allows for better control over sodium levels and overall ingredients, as canned chilis can often have high sodium content.
Mindful Eating: Being aware of your chili's ingredients and toppings is key to managing your overall calorie intake and ensuring a healthier meal.

The number of calories in 8 ounces of chili with beans is not a single, fixed number. It is a dynamic figure that depends on several factors, including the type of meat, the amount of beans, and whether it's homemade, canned, or from a restaurant. This guide breaks down the typical calorie ranges and nutritional differences, helping you make informed decisions about your meal.

Calorie Breakdown for Different Chili Types

The ingredient list is the primary determinant of a chili's total calories. A beef and bean chili will naturally have a different profile than a vegetarian or turkey-based one. By understanding these variations, you can better estimate the nutritional content of your next bowl.

Classic Homemade Beef Chili

A standard homemade beef chili, featuring ground beef, beans, and a tomato-based sauce, is a popular choice for many. The calories in this version are influenced by the leanness of the ground beef used. For example, a batch made with extra-lean ground beef will have fewer calories and less saturated fat than one made with a fattier cut. A one-cup (8.7-ounce) serving often falls within the 240 to 270 calorie range, providing a good balance of protein and fiber.

Canned Chili Variations

Canned chili offers convenience but often comes with a wider range of calorie counts, as well as higher sodium levels. Some brands may add extra ingredients or use fattier meat, pushing the calorie count upwards. It's crucial to check the nutrition label for specifics, but generally, 8 ounces of canned chili can range from approximately 250 to over 360 calories, depending on the brand. Vegetarian canned chili, on the other hand, can be a lower-calorie option.

Vegetarian Chili with Beans

For those looking for a lower-calorie, plant-based meal, vegetarian chili is an excellent option. By replacing meat with extra beans, vegetables, and other ingredients, the calorie count and saturated fat content are significantly reduced. A one-cup serving of vegetarian bean chili can have as few as 106 calories, according to some USDA estimates. This is a great alternative for boosting your fiber intake while managing calorie consumption.

Calorie Comparison: Homemade vs. Canned vs. Vegetarian

To highlight the nutritional differences, let's compare the approximate calorie and macronutrient content for a standard 8-ounce serving of three common chili types.


Chili Type	Approx. Calories (8 oz)	Approx. Protein (g)	Approx. Fat (g)	Approx. Carbs (g)	Approx. Fiber (g)
Homemade Beef Chili	242-264	18-20	9-11	18-23	7-8
Canned Beef & Beans	254-320	13-17	12-15	27-28	10
Vegetarian Bean Chili	106-250	6-14	1-10	20-25	8-10

The Role of Toppings and Modifications

Beyond the base chili recipe, the calorie count can be dramatically altered by your choice of toppings. While delicious, additions like cheese and sour cream can add hundreds of calories to your meal. Choosing lighter, healthier toppings can help you enjoy your chili without excess calories.

Here are some common toppings and their impact:

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A single cup of shredded cheddar cheese can add over 450 calories.
Sour Cream: A tablespoon of sour cream can add around 24 calories. Opt for a low-fat or fat-free version to reduce this impact.
Corn Chips: A small handful of chips can easily add 150-200 calories.
Avocado: Adds healthy fats and flavor, but also around 50 calories per ounce.
Jalapeño Peppers: A negligible calorie addition, they bring a flavor kick without the extra fat.

Strategies for a Healthier Chili

If you're aiming to manage your calorie intake, there are simple ways to make your chili healthier without sacrificing flavor:

Choose Leaner Meat: Opt for ground turkey or extra-lean ground beef instead of regular ground beef. This significantly reduces saturated fat and overall calories.
Increase Vegetables: Adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and squash, can increase the volume and fiber content without adding many calories.
Go Plant-Based: Replacing meat entirely with beans, lentils, and other vegetables is one of the most effective ways to lower the calorie and fat content.
Manage Toppings: As mentioned, be mindful of high-calorie toppings. Use a smaller amount of cheese or choose a low-fat sour cream alternative.
Control Sodium: Canned chilis can be high in sodium. Making chili from scratch allows you to control the salt content. If using canned, look for low-sodium or no-salt-added options.

Conclusion

An 8-ounce serving of chili with beans typically contains between 106 and 360 calories, but this range is influenced by the specific ingredients and preparation. Homemade chili often falls in the middle, providing a hearty, nutritious meal. Canned versions vary widely and can sometimes be higher in sodium, while vegetarian options offer a low-calorie, high-fiber alternative. By being aware of these differences and choosing healthier toppings, you can easily adapt your chili to fit your dietary needs.

For more detailed nutritional information and recipe ideas, you can consult reliable sources on food nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always, but canned chili can be higher in calories, fat, and especially sodium compared to homemade versions. Making it yourself gives you control over the ingredients to create a healthier, lower-calorie meal.

Adding cheese can significantly increase the calorie count. A single cup of shredded cheddar cheese can add more than 450 calories to your chili, so it's best to use it sparingly if watching your calories.

Yes, you can easily make chili with beans lower in calories. Use leaner meat like ground turkey or extra-lean ground beef, increase the amount of vegetables, and be mindful of your portion size and toppings.

Yes, vegetarian chili with beans is often a lower-calorie option than meat-based versions. By replacing meat with beans and vegetables, a serving can contain significantly fewer calories and less fat.

An 8-ounce serving is a standard portion size, but individual calorie needs vary. Paying attention to your body's hunger cues and tracking your calories can help you determine the right portion size for you.

In addition to calories, chili with beans is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. It also contains vitamins and minerals from the beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables.

The type of bean used in chili does not significantly alter the calorie count per serving. However, including a variety of beans, such as kidney, pinto, and black beans, can boost the overall fiber and nutrient content of the meal.