Three-Bean Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-simmered, protein-packed chili featuring kidney, cannellini, and black beans with smoky spices. This american-inspired slow cooker (vegetarian) ready in about 255 minutes pairs kidney beans, cannellini beans, black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed, 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed, 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed, 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 bell pepper, diced.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until beans are tender and flavors meld. Stir before serving to distribute ingredients evenly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Three-Bean Chili take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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 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 kidney beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 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 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 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.

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