Campbell's Chunky Chili With Beans – Picnic and Patio Quick Lunch for Two, 16.5 oz Can
Campbell's Chunky Chili With Beans – Picnic and Patio Quick Lunch for Two, 16.5 oz Can
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Why you'll love it
- Trusted heritage Campbell's brand delivers familiar, nostalgic comfort food
- Ready-to-eat convenience eliminates prep and cooking time
- High 26g protein content per can provides satisfying, filling nutrition
- Hearty beans and seasoned meat crumble deliver complete meal in one can
- Year-round pantry shelf-stable staple for last-minute meals
- Versatile as a standalone meal or topping for game day snacks
- Has a noticeable mild laxative/digestive regularity effect (mentioned as a positive by the reviewer)
- Low to minimal salt content makes it flexible for custom recipes
- No built-in heat, allowing the cook to adjust spiciness to taste
- Real, visible beef texture (not mystery meat or soy-forward)
- Gravy-like sauce consistency rather than thin/brothy soup
- Not greasy or oily compared to competitors like Hormel
- Whole kidney beans visible in the can
- Soy protein is listed far down the ingredient list (not the main filler)
- Tastes similar to Wendy's chili (frequently used comparison point)
- Compares favorably to homemade chili in taste and consistency
Perfect for
- Quick weeknight dinner straight from the can
- Game day snack or tailgating topping over hot dogs and nachos
- High-protein pantry meal for emergency dinners or quick lunches
- Comfort food meal when craving hearty, mom-style cooking
- Versatile topping or filling for nachos, baked potatoes, or chili dogs
- Base for chili shepherd's pie
- Mixed with corn kernels
- Mixed with pasta
- Served over white rice with crackers and cheese
- Used as a chili dog topping (hot dog preparation)
- Topping for baked potatoes
- Served with warm hoecakes on the side
- Eaten with rice
- Eaten with macaroni and cheese
- Used as a recipe base where mild flavor and low/minimal salt are desirable so the cook can control seasoning
Product Information
One (1) 16.5 oz can of Campbell’s Chunky Chili With Beans Convenient canned chili with beans, seasoned beef and pork crumble, and red and green peppers for a comforting taste that’s just like mom used to make With 26g of protein per can, this satisfying chili fuels even the heartiest of appetites Campbell’s Chunky Chili is a year-round pantry staple and the MVP of game day snacks, delivering a winning combination of flavor and convenience Enjoy a bowl of this canned chili with beans and meat when watching the game from home, or serve it over hot dogs, nachos, and other tailgating snacks
Package Dimensions : 4.41 x 2.87 x 2.83 inches; 1.03 Pounds UPC : 051000233394 Manufacturer : CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY Units : 16.5 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #5,212 in Grocery & Gourmet Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 16.5 oz can easy to pack on a camping or backpacking trip without leaking?
The can is a standard, single-serve 16.5 oz metal can with a sealed lid, making it a reliable pack-it-out option. It weighs just over a pound, and because the contents are pre-cooked and shelf-stable, you can drop it in your cooler or pack without worrying about raw-meal spoilage. Many campers simply heat it in a small pot over the camp stove and serve it over rice, hoecakes, or crackers.
Can I heat this chili over a campfire or portable stove without needing a microwave?
Yes. Because Campbell's Chunky Chili with Beans comes ready-to-eat, all you need is a small pot and a heat source. Warm it gently over a camp stove, campfire grate, or even a backpacking canister stove until it simmers, stirring occasionally. No microwave, no prep work, and no extra water or seasoning required to get a hot meal at the campsite.
Will this chili work as a tailgate topping for hot dogs and nachos at a game day cookout?
Absolutely. The gravy-like sauce and visible chunks of kidney beans and seasoned beef hold up well as a topping. Pour it straight from a warmed can over hot dogs, brats, or tortilla chips with cheese. It is a popular alternative to bringing a slow cooker of homemade chili to the parking lot.
Does this chili travel well in a cooler for a beach day or picnic?
Yes, it is an excellent grab-and-go option. The can is sealed, so it won't leak or spill into your cooler. If you are heading to a beach, picnic, or patio lunch, simply nest it between ice packs and heat it when you arrive, or enjoy it cold straight from the can the way many fans do on the trail.
Is the can shelf-stable enough to keep in an outdoor pantry, garage, or RV storage?
Yes. Campbell's Chunky Chili with Beans is fully shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration until opened, which makes it ideal for RV cabinets, garage pantries, or a small outdoor storage bin. Just check the date on the bottom of the can and rotate your stock so the oldest gets used first.
Is this chili filling enough to be a main course after a long hike?
Yes. With 26 grams of protein per can and a hearty mix of kidney beans and seasoned beef and pork, one can comfortably serves one hungry hiker as a full meal, or two people as a smaller portion when paired with rice, hoecakes, or cornbread on the side.
Can I make a one-pot campsite meal by adding pasta or corn to the can?
Yes. Many campers use the can as a recipe base. You can stir in dry pasta with a little extra water and simmer until tender, or mix in a handful of corn kernels for extra texture. The mild flavor and minimal built-in salt make it easy to customize with whatever spices or extras you have packed.
How does this canned chili compare to a dehydrated backpacking meal on the trail?
It is heavier and bulkier than a freeze-dried pouch, but the trade-off is real meat texture, real beans, and a gravy-like sauce that tastes closer to homemade chili. For car camping, tailgating, and short hikes where weight is not critical, it delivers a much more satisfying meal than most dehydrated options.
Will the chili stay warm long enough to serve at an outdoor gathering?
Yes. The thick, gravy-like sauce holds heat well, and the can is metal so it can be set near a heat source or wrapped in a towel to retain warmth. For a tailgate, many fans reheat the can in a pot over a small propane burner and keep it covered until serving.
Is this chili greasy or oily, since I will be eating it outdoors without napkins nearby?
No. Compared to competitors like Hormel, Campbell's Chunky Chili with Beans has a noticeably less greasy finish. The sauce is thick and gravy-like rather than thin and oily, which means it is easier to eat from a bowl or over rice at a picnic table without the mess.
Can I recycle the can at a campsite or national park?
Yes, the steel can is widely recyclable. You will need to pack it out and rinse it briefly before placing it in a recycling bin, since most parks require you to carry out your own waste. Many campers bring a small ziplock for the empty can to keep other gear clean.
Does this chili contain any allergens I should know about for a group cookout?
The label lists soy, which is present in small amounts as a secondary ingredient, and wheat is commonly present in similar Campbell's products. Always check the current ingredient list on the can before serving guests with allergies, especially at a shared outdoor meal.
Is there a spicier version of the same chili available if my tailgate crowd wants heat?
Yes, Campbell's makes a spicier variant in the same Chunky Chili with Beans line. You can buy one of each and let guests choose, or kick the mild can up yourself with hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or crushed red pepper flakes right at the cookout.
How should I heat a can of Campbell's Chunky Chili with Beans?
You can heat it on the stovetop by pouring the contents into a small pot and warming over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a microwave, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. The chili is fully pre-cooked, so you are just bringing it up to temperature.
Do I need to add water or any liquid before heating?
No, do not add water. The chili is meant to be heated and served in its existing gravy-like sauce. Adding water will thin it out and change the texture, making it closer to a soup than a hearty chili. If you want a thinner consistency, add only a small splash at a time.
Can I eat the chili straight from the can without heating?
Yes, it is fully cooked and safe to eat cold or at room temperature, which is why it is a popular option for camping, lunchboxes, and quick desk meals. Heating is purely for taste and comfort, not food safety. If the can has been opened and refrigerated, you can also eat it cold the next day.
Will this can fit in a standard can opener and lunch box?
Yes, the 16.5 oz can is a standard diameter that fits virtually every can opener, and the height is similar to most soup cans. It will fit in a regular lunchbox or insulated bag, and the sealed metal can is leak-proof until opened.
Is this chili compatible with common chili toppings like cheese, onions, and sour cream?
Yes. The mild, savory base is designed to pair with classic chili toppings such as shredded cheddar, diced onions, sour cream, jalapeños, or oyster crackers. It is also a popular base for chili dogs, chili mac, and chili baked potatoes.
What is included when I order a single can?
Each order is one 16.5 oz metal can of Campbell's Chunky Chili with Beans, sealed and ready to heat and serve. No additional accessories, bowls, or utensils are included, and the can is fully recyclable after use.
Is it safe to eat if the can is dented or the seal looks loose?
No. As with any canned food, you should not eat the contents if the can is severely dented, bulging, leaking, or if the seal appears compromised. A small dent on the side is usually fine, but any sign of swelling, leakage, or a popped lid means the can should be discarded.
Does the chili need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes. Once opened, transfer any unused portion to a sealed container and refrigerate. It will keep safely for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Do not leave an opened can at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
What is the difference between canned chili and canned chili with beans?
Chili with beans includes whole kidney beans mixed into the sauce, which adds fiber, plant-based protein, and a heartier texture. Versions without beans are smoother and have a higher meat-to-sauce ratio. The Campbell's Chunky with Beans version is positioned as a more filling, complete-meal option, while beanless versions are often used as a topping or sauce.
