Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Paprika and Chipotle

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

A hearty vegetarian chili featuring kidney, black, and pinto beans simmered with smoky paprika and a hint of chipotle for deep, complex flavor. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian protein) ready in about 50 minutes pairs kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and rinse 1 can kidney beans, 1 can black beans, and 1 can pinto beans. Combine beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 medium diced onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves in a large pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Step 3: Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Adjust seasoning with additional salt or chipotle to taste, then serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 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 Smoked Paprika and Chipotle?

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 with Smoked Paprika and 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 Smoked Paprika and 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 Smoked Paprika and Chipotle vegetarian protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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