Smoky Three-Bean Chili with Chipotle Lime Crema
A hearty, spice-packed vegetarian chili featuring three beans and a smoky chipotle crema. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes turns (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, chicken broth into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed cannellini beans
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium, finely chopped diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1, seeds removed diced jalapeño
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1, sliced avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño for 5-6 minutes until onion is translucent and peppers are softened.
- Step 2: Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and minced chipotle peppers, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomatoes, broth, and all beans, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: To make crema, whisk sour cream, lime juice, and 1 tsp lime zest until smooth. Serve chili hot, topped with avocado slices and a dollop of chipotle crema.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Three-Bean Chili with Chipotle Lime Crema take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 with Chipotle Lime Crema?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Three-Bean Chili with Chipotle Lime Crema?
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 with Chipotle Lime Crema 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 Smoky Three-Bean Chili with Chipotle Lime Crema 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
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to vegetarian dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
