Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Gouda
Hearty chili with three varieties of beans and a hint of smoky cheese, perfect for chilly days. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 40 minutes pairs (15 oz) kidney beans, (15 oz) black beans, (15 oz) pinto beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium bell pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and rinse 1 can each kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Dice 1 medium onion and 1 medium bell pepper.
- Step 2: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 tsp cumin and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add all beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, and 1 cup chicken broth. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda until melted and chili is slightly thickened. Serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Gouda take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Smoked Gouda?
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 (15 oz) kidney beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Gouda?
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 Smoked Gouda 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.
What goes well with Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Gouda?
American whole30 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.
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