3 bean chili recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best 3 bean chili recipe

I’ve been making this 3 bean chili recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

The combination of three types of beans – kidney, black, and pinto – gives the chili a rich, complex flavor that’s both familiar and exciting. My kids love helping me make it, and they always get excited when they see the finished product.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Just brown some ground beef, cook down the onions and garlic, then add in the beans, tomatoes, and spices.

Let it simmer all day, and you’ll have a delicious meal that’s ready to go. I like to serve it over rice or with some crusty bread on the side.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients – just add in whatever you have on hand to make it your own. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I know it will be in yours too once you try it out.

3 Bean Chili

3 Bean Chili

4.7 from 586 votes

A hearty and flavorful 3 bean chili recipe perfect for a comforting meal. This chili is packed with kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with spices.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chili

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 large bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 bay leaf

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2Add diced onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
3Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4The garlic should be fragrant and lightly golden.
5Stir in kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans.
6Add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and vegetable broth.
7Mix well to combine.
8Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using).
9Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
10Bring the chili to a boil over high heat.
11Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12The chili should thicken slightly, and the flavors should be well combined.
13Remove the bay leaf.
14Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
15If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
16The chili should be hearty and flavorful, with a rich tomato base and well-cooked beans.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño pepper. Serve with your favorite chili toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped onions, or sour cream.

Watch Video Of How 3 Bean Chili Works

This 3 bean chili recipe is one of my go-to meals for any occasion – whether we’re having a big family gathering or just need something comforting after a long day. It’s so easy to make and is perfect for using up leftover ingredients.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from all those delicious beans! My family loves serving it over rice or with some crusty bread on the side – we always get rave reviews when we bring it to potlucks or family gatherings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Bean Chili

1. What type of beans should I use in this recipe?

You can use any combination of kidney, black, or pinto beans for this recipe. I like to use a mix of all three for the best flavor.

2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the ground beef and cook down the onions and garlic before adding everything to the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. Do I need to soak the beans before making this recipe?

No, you don’t need to soak the beans before making this recipe. However, if you want to make sure they’re nice and tender, you can soak them overnight before cooking them.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe! Just brown it in place of the ground beef and proceed with the rest of the recipe as instructed.

5. How long does this recipe take to make?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes to an hour to prepare and cook.
6. Can I freeze this recipe for later?
Yes, you can definitely freeze this recipe for later! Simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

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