Williams' Three-Bean Chili
A hearty, slow-simmered chili featuring three beans and smoky spices, embodying the diverse cultural tapestry of America's population data. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 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 280 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 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and rinse all three beans (kidney, black, and pinto) thoroughly. Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Heat a large pot over medium heat, add 1 tbsp oil, and sauté onion until translucent and fragrant (5 minutes).
- Step 2: Add minced garlic, 1/2 cup diced green chilies, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until aromatic, then stir in 1 can diced tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Add drained beans and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with fresh cilantro and a dollop of plain yogurt.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Williams' Three-Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Williams' Three-Bean Chili?
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 Williams' Three-Bean Chili?
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 Williams' Three-Bean Chili 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 Williams' Three-Bean Chili?
American 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
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 35-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
