Three-Bean Budget Chili
A hearty, protein-packed chili made with canned beans and tomatoes, simmered to perfection in 30 minutes. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced (1 cup) onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced (1 cup) onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 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 vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 can kidney beans, 1 can black beans, 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 cup vegetable broth, and 1 tsp cumin.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and the chili thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot with a side of cornbread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Bean Budget Chili take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Three-Bean Budget 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Three-Bean Budget 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 Three-Bean Budget 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 Three-Bean Budget 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
