Smoky Three-Bean Chili
A deeply flavorful chili simmered with three varieties of beans and smoky spices, ready in under an hour for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 80 minutes pairs ground beef, (15 oz), rinsed black beans, (15 oz), rinsed kidney beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz), rinsed black beans
- 1 can (15 oz), rinsed kidney beans
- 1 can (15 oz), rinsed pinto beans
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot with optional corn on the cob.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Three-Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Smoky 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 ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky 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 Smoky Three-Bean Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Smoky Three-Bean Chili?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The best one-pot meal I've made in months. Leftovers are even better!
- ★★★★★
Made it for game day and everyone loved it. The smokiness was spot on.
- ★★★★★
Smoky and hearty, perfect for a chilly evening. The three beans were a great combo.
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