Best Ever Three-Bean Chili
A hearty, slow-simmered chili packed with kidney beans, cannellini beans, and black beans, spiced with smoky paprika. This american-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes pairs can diced tomatoes, (15 oz), drained kidney beans, (15 oz), drained cannellini beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained kidney beans
- 1 can (15 oz), drained cannellini beans
- 1 can (15 oz), drained black beans
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 1 medium, diced bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 cup chicken broth, smoked paprika, cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Add drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, black beans, and remaining 1 can diced tomatoes. Stir well, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or chili powder if desired. Simmer for 10 more minutes until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly (should coat the back of a spoon).
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best Ever Three-Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Best Ever Three-Bean Chili?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep can diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best Ever Three-Bean Chili?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Best Ever Three-Bean Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Best Ever Three-Bean Chili vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
