Out of Navy bean, one case
Navy bean substitute for chili
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Great Northern beans
Same amount as the navy bean
For chili, the best navy bean substitutes are great northern beans (1:1 ratio), pinto beans (1:1 ratio), and cannellini beans (1:1 ratio). These beans provide similar texture and work well in hearty chili recipes.
- Best for —
- traditional chili
One casethe full navy bean card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of navy bean |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Northern beanstraditional chili | Same amount |
| 2 | Pinto beanstraditional chili | Same amount |
| 3 | Cannellini beanswhite bean chili | Same amount |
| 4 | White kidney beanswhite bean chili | Same amount |
| 5 | Black beansblack bean chili | Same amount |
Great Northern beans
mild, slightly nutty
Good substitute for navy beans in chili with similar size and creamy texture
- Best for
- traditional chili, white bean chili, vegetarian chili, mild chili, creamy chili
- Texture
- creamy, firm
Slightly larger than navy beans but very similar in flavor and texture. Maintains shape well during long cooking.
Pinto beans
mild, earthy
Classic chili bean with mild flavor and creamy texture
- Best for
- traditional chili, Mexican-style chili, spicy chili, refried bean chili, Tex-Mex chili
- Texture
- creamy, firm
Slightly different color (beige instead of white) but similar flavor and texture. Very popular in chili recipes.
Cannellini beans
mild, nutty
Italian white kidney beans with mild, nutty flavor good for chili
- Best for
- white bean chili, vegetarian chili, mild chili, Italian-style chili, creamy chili
- Texture
- creamy, firm
Slightly larger and more kidney-shaped than navy beans but very similar in flavor and texture.
White kidney beans
mild, slightly sweet
Large white beans with mild flavor and creamy texture ideal for chili
- Best for
- white bean chili, vegetarian chili, mild chili, creamy chili
- Texture
- creamy, firm
Larger than navy beans but similar flavor. May need slightly longer cooking time.
Black beans
earthy, slightly sweet
Dark beans with earthy flavor and firm texture great for chili
- Best for
- black bean chili, spicy chili, Mexican-style chili, vegetarian chili, Tex-Mex chili
- Texture
- firm, slightly grainy
Different color and slightly different flavor but excellent in chili. Adds visual appeal and earthy taste.
The longer answer
About this case
Navy beans work well in chili due to their small size and creamy texture. However, several excellent substitutes can work just as well in your favorite chili recipes, each bringing their own unique characteristics.
Tips for substituting navy bean
10 tips- For chili, choose beans that hold their shape well during long cooking
- Great northern beans are the closest substitute for navy beans in chili
- Pinto beans are the most traditional choice for chili recipes
- Cannellini beans work well in white bean chili and vegetarian versions
- Black beans add visual appeal and earthy flavor to chili
- If using canned beans, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking
- For dried beans, soak overnight and cook until tender before adding to chili
- Navy beans work well in both meat and vegetarian chili recipes
- The creamy texture of navy beans helps thicken chili naturally
- Pair with spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano for authentic flavor
Notes on navy bean
- Traditional chili with great northern beans
- White bean chili with cannellini beans
- Tex-Mex chili with pinto beans
- Black bean chili with black beans
- Vegetarian chili with white kidney beans
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best navy bean substitute for traditional chili?
Great northern beans are the best substitute for navy beans in traditional chili. They have very similar size, creamy texture, and mild flavor. Pinto beans are also excellent and are the most traditional choice for chili recipes.
Can I use pinto beans instead of navy beans in chili?
Yes, pinto beans work excellently as a substitute for navy beans in chili. They're actually the most traditional choice for chili recipes and have similar texture and flavor. They'll give your chili a slightly different color but enhance the overall flavor.
What's the difference between navy beans and pinto beans in chili?
Navy beans are small, white, oval-shaped beans with mild flavor. Pinto beans are beige with brown speckles and have a slightly earthy flavor. Both work well in chili, but pinto beans are more traditional and add more visual appeal to the dish.
Can I use black beans instead of navy beans in chili?
Yes, black beans work well as a substitute for navy beans in chili, especially for black bean chili or Tex-Mex style recipes. They have a slightly different flavor (more earthy) and color, but they add visual appeal and work great in spicy chili recipes.
Do I need to adjust cooking time with different bean substitutes in chili?
Larger beans like cannellini or white kidney beans may need slightly longer cooking time, but the difference is minimal. The key is to cook them until tender but not mushy. Canned beans need less time than dried beans regardless of the variety.