Three-Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle
A deeply flavorful, slow-simmered chili packed with three beans, smoky chipotle, and aromatic spices for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This mexican-inspired 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 290 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.
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 onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 lime
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and rinse all beans, then set aside. Finely chop onion and garlic. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat, adding onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Add chipotle peppers (with 1 tsp adobo sauce), cumin, and cocoa powder, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, and beans.
- Step 3: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in lime juice (to taste), and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with optional avocado slices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Bean Chili with Smoky 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 Smoky 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 Smoky 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 Smoky 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.
What goes well with Three-Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle?
Mexican vegetarian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
