“Bold & Hearty 3-Bean Chili Recipe: A Comforting Feast for All”
Jump to RecipeTable of Contents
Summary:
This Bold & Hearty 3-Bean Chili Recipe is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that is perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends and family. Featuring a blend of three beans, tender beef (or a vegetarian option), and a medley of spices, this chili delivers rich, smoky flavors with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day, family dinner, or need a weeknight meal packed with protein and nutrients, this chili recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s also easy to adapt with simple pantry ingredients and is perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead of time.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350 calories per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Equipment:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients: For Bean Chili Recipe
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version, or omit for a vegetarian option)
- 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 (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado
Instructions: For Bean Chili Recipe
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Brown the Meat (if using):
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground beef (or turkey).
- Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add the Spices:
- Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Let the spices toast for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
4. Add the Beans and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and crushed tomatoes.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients together.
5. Add the Broth and Simmer:
- Add the beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option) to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado.
“Bold & Hearty 3-Bean Chili Recipe: A Comforting Feast for All”
Notes:
- Make Ahead: Chili flavors deepen with time, so making it a day ahead and reheating it can enhance the taste. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes well. Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version of this chili.
- Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Options include jalapeños, tortilla chips, hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime.
Conclusion:
This Bold & Hearty 3-Bean Chili Recipe is the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and warmth that you crave in a classic chili dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a party, this chili never disappoints. It’s easy to customize and packed with protein, making it a satisfying meal for everyone. For more comforting and delicious chili recipes, check out AllRecipes or explore different variations on The Spruce Eats.
“Bold & Hearty 3-Bean Chili Recipe: A Comforting Feast for All”
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version, or omit for a vegetarian option
- 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 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Meat (if using):
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground beef (or turkey).
- Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the Spices:
- Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Let the spices toast for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Add the Beans and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and crushed tomatoes.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients together.
- Add the Broth and Simmer:
- Add the beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option) to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado.
Notes
Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes well. Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version of this chili.
Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Options include jalapeños, tortilla chips, hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime.