Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Paprika
A hearty, smoky chili packed with beans and vegetables, simmered to deep flavor in under 30 minutes for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs can diced tomatoes, can kidney beans, can black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can kidney beans
- 15 oz can black beans
- 15 oz can cannellini beans
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 4 oz can diced green chilies
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice onion and mince garlic. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté onion until translucent (5 minutes) and garlic until fragrant (1 minute).
- Step 2: Add smoked paprika and cumin, stirring for 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 3: Add all beans (drained and rinsed), green chilies, and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt if needed. Serve hot with a dollop of plain yogurt and chopped fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Paprika?
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 can diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Paprika?
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 Paprika 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.
Is Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Paprika 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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.