If you’re looking for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that comes together easily with pantry staples, this Three Bean Chili is your new go-to favorite. Loaded with protein-rich beans, a medley of colorful veggies, and a rush of warm spices, this chili is as satisfying on a chilly evening as it is at your next game-day gathering. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just hungry for a feel-good meal, the robust flavors and chunky texture will have everyone eagerly coming back for seconds. With simple ingredients and minimal fuss, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit whenever comfort food cravings hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three Bean Chili relies on straightforward ingredients that work together beautifully. Each choice brings something special—whether it’s heartiness, a pop of color, or the rich, signature chili taste.

Kidney Beans: Their meaty texture and deep flavor ground the chili and make it stick-to-your-ribs satisfying.
Black Beans: These provide a creamy bite and soak up all the spices for extra depth in each spoonful.
Pinto Beans: Earthy and mild, pinto beans round out the trio, balancing the heartiness with a smooth finish.
Onion: Sautéed onion forms the aromatic base and builds savory flavor right from the start.
Bell Peppers: Red or green peppers add color, sweetness, and a little crunch that brightens up every bowl.
Garlic: A couple of minced cloves bring out a subtle warmth that ties everything together.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned or fresh, tomatoes give the chili its tangy backbone and a luscious, saucy consistency.
Tomato Paste: Just a spoonful deepens the tomato flavor and makes the sauce rich and thick.
Chili Powder: This is the heart of the chili’s flavor, so choose your favorite blend for the traditional taste.
Cumin: Adds a touch of smokiness and earthy depth that’s absolutely classic in chili recipes.
Paprika: For gentle sweetness and a hint of smokiness, don’t skip the paprika.
Oregano: A pinch of this herb brings a subtle, lively edge to balance the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Season generously to allow all the vibrant flavors to shine.
Vegetable Broth: Keeps the chili hearty yet light, and ties everything together into a cozy stew.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and ensuring luscious mouthfeel in every bite.

How to Make Three Bean Chili

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in your diced onion and bell peppers, and cook until the onion turns translucent and the peppers soften. Add the minced garlic towards the end, stirring just until it becomes fragrant—this forms the all-important flavor foundation for your Three Bean Chili.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in your chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano, letting them toast in the oil for about a minute. This step is key for unlocking maximum flavor—briefly cooking the spices blooms their aroma and brings out a lovely warmth that sets your chili apart.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Beans

Tip in your diced tomatoes along with a bit of tomato paste. Mix well before adding the drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Stir everything together, making sure the beans and veggies are evenly combined with all those gorgeous spices.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in the vegetable broth, giving the chili enough liquid to gently bubble and meld its flavors. Bring everything to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally and enjoy how the Three Bean Chili thickens and becomes irresistibly aromatic.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste the chili and adjust salt and pepper as needed. When the flavors are just right and the texture is thick and stew-like, ladle it into bowls and get ready for a seriously satisfying meal.

How to Serve Three Bean Chili

Garnishes

The fun really starts with the toppings. Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, dollops of sour cream (or a vegan alternative), and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese turn every bowl of Three Bean Chili into a personal masterpiece. Add a wedge of lime on the side—it’s a game-changer!

Side Dishes

Serve your chili with fluffy steamed rice, a golden square of cornbread, or crispy tortilla chips for scooping. Need something extra hearty? Try it over a baked potato or with a cool, crunchy slaw as a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the chili into hollowed-out bread bowls for a special touch, or use it as a topping for nachos at your next party. You can even spoon it over roasted sweet potatoes or serve with avocado slices for a nutritious, Instagram-worthy bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Three Bean Chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Freezing

Three Bean Chili freezes beautifully! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, taking care to leave a little room for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready for those chilly nights when you want something comforting without the effort.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. A splash of broth or water helps return it to its original luscious texture if thickened up too much.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of beans in this Three Bean Chili?

Absolutely! The classic combination is kidney, black, and pinto, but feel free to swap with cannellini, navy, or even chickpeas for your own twist.

Is Three Bean Chili spicy?

As written, the recipe offers a gentle warmth, but you can amp up the heat by adding chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for about 3-4 hours, letting the beans and spices meld together even more deeply.

How can I make Three Bean Chili thicker?

If your chili is thinner than you’d like, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer or mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to naturally thicken up the stew.

Is this chili vegan and gluten-free?

Three Bean Chili is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free. It’s an inclusive, crowd-pleasing dish fit for nearly every table!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner or need an easy, nourishing meal for a crowd, Three Bean Chili brings warmth, flavor, and plenty of smiles to the table. Dive in and make it your own—with all those beans and bold spices, it’s bound to become a staple in your cooking rotation!

Three Bean Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty and flavorful Three Bean Chili is a comforting dish that is perfect for chilly nights. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and red pepper, and sauté until the vegetables are softened. This should take about 5 minutes.
Add the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together.
Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt and pepper if desired.
Serve the chili hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as avocado, cilantro, or shredded cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

This chili can be easily customized with additional vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American