The Best Three Bean Chili Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Crafting a hearty three bean chili brings comfort and warmth to any dinner table.

Beans pack incredible nutrition and flavor into this classic dish.

Rich spices dance through each delicious spoonful, creating layers of complexity.

Simple ingredients come together quickly in one pot.

Home cooks appreciate how straightforward this recipe feels.

Customize with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro or sharp cheese.

You’ll love how satisfying and nourishing this chili becomes with minimal effort.

Benefits Of Three Bean Chili

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Pack three different beans into one hearty dish, delivering an incredible protein and fiber punch that supports healthy eating goals.
• Customize with Ease: Top this versatile chili with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado to match individual taste preferences and create a personalized meal experience.
• Quick Cooking Delight: Prepare this satisfying chili in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Mild spices and familiar bean varieties ensure this chili appeals to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing dinner that brings everyone together around the table.

Essential Ingredients For Three Bean Chili

• Kidney Beans: A hearty and protein-rich bean that adds texture and substance to the chili.
• Black Beans: A creamy bean that provides additional protein and a smooth consistency.
• Pinto Beans: A classic bean that contributes to the robust flavor and thickness of the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes: A juicy base that helps create the chili's signature sauce and adds bright flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps blend the ingredients and create a rich, cohesive dish.

• Onion: A foundational vegetable that builds depth and sweetness in the chili.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Chili Powder: A spice blend that adds warmth and traditional chili flavor.
• Cumin: An earthy spice that provides a distinctive southwestern taste.
• Paprika: A mild pepper powder that contributes a subtle smoky undertone.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the vegetables and start the flavor base.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the chili's overall taste.

How To Make Three Bean Chili

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and let them dance around until they become soft and see-through, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Embrace Garlic’s Aroma

Drop in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick minute, releasing its delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika

Stir them around and let them mingle and bloom for about a minute until the kitchen fills with an incredible scent.

Step 4: Bring on the Beans and Tomatoes

• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Pinto beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Vegetable broth

Stir everything together so all the flavors start to get acquainted.

Step 5: Simmer and Relax

Let the chili bubble gently, stirring occasionally.

Allow it to simmer for 20 minutes, letting all the flavors meld and develop a rich, deep taste.

Step 6: Perfect the Seasoning

Taste and add salt and pepper until the chili sings with flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Helpful Tips For Three Bean Chili

• Swap beans for lentils or chickpeas to create variety and keep the protein-packed profile.
• Enhance flavor by roasting fresh garlic and onions before adding to the pot for deeper, richer taste.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium vegetable broth and controlling salt measurement carefully.
• Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and subtle heat without overwhelming spiciness.
• Make the chili more hearty by including quinoa or bulgur wheat during the simmering process for added texture and nutrition.

Flavorful Twists On Three Bean Chili

• Protein-Packed Quinoa Chili: Replace beans with quinoa for a protein-rich alternative that's gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor.
• Smoky Chipotle Vegetable Chili: Swap regular chili powder with chipotle powder and add roasted bell peppers and zucchini for a smoky, vegetable-forward version.
• Spicy Meat Lover's Chili: Incorporate ground turkey or beef for carnivores seeking a heartier protein option while keeping the three-bean base.
• Low-Sodium Herb Chili: Reduce salt, add fresh herbs like cilantro and oregano, and use low-sodium vegetable broth for a lighter, more herbal take on the classic recipe.

Best Pairings With Three Bean Chili

• Comforting Chili Bowl: Ladle the warm chili into deep ceramic bowls, creating a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
• Fiesta-Style Serving: Top the chili with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a vibrant and colorful presentation.
• Chili Companion Platter: Serve alongside crispy cornbread, tortilla chips, or warm crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Set up a chili bar with various toppings like jalapeños, green onions, and lime wedges, allowing guests to customize their own perfect bowl.

How to Store 3-Bean Chili

• Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Store chili in shallow containers to help it cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 3 months, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label containers with the date to track storage time.

FAQs

• Is this chili vegetarian?

Yes, this three bean chili is completely vegetarian and uses plant-based ingredients like beans, vegetable broth, and no meat.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

You can easily increase the heat by adding more chili powder, adding diced jalapeños, or including a dash of hot sauce during cooking.

• Do I need to drain the canned beans before adding?

It’s recommended to drain and rinse the canned beans to remove excess sodium and improve the overall flavor of the chili.

• What are the nutritional benefits of using three different beans?

This recipe provides a variety of proteins, fiber, and essential nutrients. Kidney, black, and pinto beans offer different textures and complementary nutritional profiles, making the chili both delicious and healthy.

Hearty Three Bean Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired three bean chili offers hearty comfort through complex spices and protein-packed legumes. Home cooks discover a simple, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

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Ingredients

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Beans:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 410 grams) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable broth

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Cilantro

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a robust pot over medium-high heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for 45-60 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and paprika into the pot, toasting the spices until their fragrance intensifies and creates a rich, complex base, about 60 seconds.
4. Pour in kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, followed by diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, creating a hearty mixture that promises deep flavor development.
5. Increase heat to generate a gentle, rolling simmer, then reduce temperature and let the chili gently bubble and meld flavors for 18-22 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Carefully adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting to ensure a balanced and vibrant profile.
7. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls and garnish with preferred toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or tangy sour cream for a personalized touch.

Notes

• Choose beans carefully, mixing different textures and sizes creates a more interesting chili experience.
• Swap vegetable broth with water if sodium intake needs reduction, maintaining the same cooking liquid volume.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Enhance protein content by incorporating quinoa or bulgur wheat during simmering stage for plant-based protein boost.

• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg