Three-Bean Chili with Chipotle

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

A hearty chili featuring kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans simmered with smoky chipotle and cumin. This mexican-inspired slow cooker (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes turns (15 oz) kidney beans, (15 oz) black beans, (15 oz) pinto beans 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 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and rinse all beans, then combine with diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, onion, garlic, and chipotle peppers with adobo sauce in a large pot.
  2. Step 2: Add cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low.
  3. Step 3: Cover and simmer gently for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Taste and adjust salt if needed. Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes if too thin. Serve hot with cilantro garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Three-Bean Chili with Chipotle take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 with Chipotle?

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 Three-Bean Chili with Chipotle?

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 with Chipotle 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 with Chipotle 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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