Three Bean Chili is an easy meatless chili recipe. My chili is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Packed with protein-rich beans, flavorful vegetables, and a medley of warm spices, it’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening. Make it in only 30 minutes.
Chili is a cold weather staple in my house. If you want to try some of my favorites, check out my crock pot taco chili and my easy ground beef chili.
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Why this Easy Three Bean Chili Recipe is a Keeper
My three beans is never boring, in fact, it is different every time. You will love this recipe for game day, meatless Mondays or anytime you just want a heaping bowl of goodness.
- 30 Minute Meal: Get this super delicious lunch or dinner on the table in a flash.
- Easy Ingredients: You can find all the ingredients in your pantry.
- Adaptable: You can make it meat free or add your favorite protein. Be sure to cook meat until it’s no longer pink.
- Makes Great Leftovers: So many things you can do like nachos, tacos and more.
What are the Best Beans for Chili?
Some of the most common beans to use include cannellini beans, black beans pinto and kidney beans. You can even add chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans.
Pro Tip for this Bean Soup
A touch of brown sugar or maple syrup can balance the spiciness and add a hint of sweetness.
Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions for Vegan 3 Bean Chili
To make this recipe, you will need just a few easy ingredients. If you don’t already have these ingredients to make chili in your kitchen, they can all easily be found at the store or substituted.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Beans: You will need black beans, kidney beans and pinto beans. Do not drain the beans as you will need the liquid for this great chili.
- Variety of Beans: Feel free to use any combination of canned beans you like, or whatever you have on hand.
- Chili Seasoning: Make your own Chili Seasoning Blend.
- Jalapeño: A can of jalapenos or a fresh pepper can be a great addition to the fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Meat: While 3-bean chili is often vegetarian, you can add ground beef, turkey, or even chorizo for a heartier version. Brown ground beef and drain off fat before adding.
- Smokiness: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (or a few drops of liquid smoke) for a smoky flavor.
- Liquor: A splash of beer, red wine, or even bourbon can add complexity to the chili.
How to Make Three-Bean Chili
This comfort food comes together in 3 quick and easy steps. This homemade chili is so good, it will quickly become your favorite chili recipe. I’ve made this countless times over the years.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cook Veggies: Add canola oil to a large soup pot over heat. When oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Then add garlic, Chili Seasoning and flour.
- Add Rest of the Ingredients: Add the beans, diced tomatoes, water, chili in adobo, Worcestershire sauce and All Purpose Seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Vegan Chili
Preparing a recipe ahead of time can be the best way to go. If you love chili, make it in advance to be able to enjoy it whenever you’d like.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is great for a make ahead meal. It can stay in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Store bean soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat chili on the stove or in the microwave.
- Using Leftovers: Enjoy leftovers on Baked Tortilla Chips.
Seasonal Recipe FAQs and Topping Suggestions
Plan to serve this good chili recipe with cornbread or Rosemary Butter Rolls.
Some of the best toppings include sour cream, cheese, or extra peppers.
A great way to thicken chili is to add more ingredients or to make a cornstarch and water slurry.
Expert Tips to Love This Recipe for Black Bean Chili
- Spices: Add spices like chili powder, chipotle powder or smoked paprika to the 3 cans of beans and tomatoes.
- Bloom the Spices: Sauté the spices in a little oil before adding the other ingredients. This releases their aromas and enhances their flavor.
- Layer the Flavors: Build the flavor of your chili in stages. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic, add the spices, meat, beans, tomato sauce and broth.
- Heat and Simmer: Simmering the chili for a longer period allows the flavors to meld and deepen. A slow cooker is also a great option for this perfect meal.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste your chili throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chili can become mushy. Simmer just until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, but avoid cooking it for too long.
More Recipes You Might Like
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Three Bean Chili
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Canola oil
- 1 Onion, diced
- 1 Bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, smashed and sliced
- 3 tablespoons Chili Seasoning Blend
- 2 tablespoons Flour
- 15.25 ounces Black beans, 1 can
- 15.25 ounces Kidney beans, 1 can
- 15.25 ounces Pinto beans, 1 can
- 30 ounces Fire roasted diced tomatoes, 2 cans
- 1 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Chili in adobo, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons All Purpose Seasoning
Instructions
- Add the canola oil to a large pot over medium high heat.
- When oil is hot, add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes or until softened.
- Add garlic, Chili Seasoning Blend and flour and cook for one more minute.
- Add the beans, including all of the liquid, diced tomatoes, water, chili in adobo, Worcestershire sauce and All Purpose Seasoning, stir to combine.
- Bring to simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Christina’s Notes
- Spices: Add spices like chili powder, chipotle powder or smoked paprika to the 3 cans of beans and tomatoes.
- Bloom the Spices: Sauté the spices in a little oil before adding the other ingredients. This releases their aromas and enhances their flavor.
- Layer the Flavors: Build the flavor of your chili in stages. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic, add the spices, meat, beans, tomato sauce and broth.
- Heat and Simmer: Simmering the chili for a longer period allows the flavors to meld and deepen. A slow cooker is also a great option for this perfect meal.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste your chili throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chili can become mushy. Simmer just until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, but avoid cooking it for too long.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
This was the perfect game day chili! Tasty and hearty!
As a vegetarian, bean anything makes me happy. But especially bean chili. Woot woot!