Easy Bean Chili Recipe (Perfect for Busy Nights)
Three Bean Chili
When you need a quick, comforting dinner, this easy three bean chili recipe is one of our favorites. It’s hearty, filling, and simple enough for busy nights. The beans stretch the ground beef, making it budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd. Leftovers are never wasted. They’re delicious on nachos, totchos, or spooned over a taco salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Budget-friendly: Beans add protein and fiber while keeping costs low.
- Versatile: Vegetarian option, spice control, and slow cooker method included.
- Great leftovers: Perfect for nachos, totchos, or taco salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef (optional for vegetarian version)
- Kidney beans (or pinto beans)
- Chili beans (Brooks brand adds extra flavor)
- Black beans
- Navy beans
- Chili powder
- Tomato juice or stewed tomatoes
Avoid Common Mistakes
Avoid 4 common mistakes that ruin homemade chili:
- Overcooking beans until they turn mushy
- Underseasoning so the flavor falls flat
- Skipping simmer time which prevents the flavors from blending
- Adding too much chili powder all at once
With these tips, your chili will be perfectly balanced and full of flavor every time.
How to Make Three Bean Chili
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot until cooked through.
- Add beans, tomato juice or stewed tomatoes, and chili powder.
- Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cook until heated through. For deeper flavor, let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Customization Ideas
- Slow cooker method: Combine ingredients and cook on low for 4–6 hours for rich flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the beef and use vegetable broth with tomato juice.
- Add veggies: Diced tomatoes, green pepper, and celery add flavor and texture.
- Spice control: Start with 1 tablespoon chili powder, then adjust. Sugar or extra tomato sauce can balance heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze bean chili? Yes, cool completely and store in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months.
What beans are best for chili? Kidney, black, navy, and chili beans all work well. Pinto beans are also a great choice.
How do I make chili less spicy? Add sugar or extra tomato sauce to balance heat.
Easy Three Bean Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans
- 1 15 oz can chili beans
- 1 `5 oz can black beans
- 1 15 oz can navy beans
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder or to taste)
- 1 pint jar of tomato juice or quart jar stewed tomatoes
- ½ small onion, minced or 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef until it is fully cooked, chopping into small pieces and add in mined onion.
- Open the cans of beans and drain in a colander.
- Add the beans,chili beans into the pan and stir.
- Add in more chili powder (again to taste).
- Put the cover on and let it simmer.
- The longer it cooks, the more incorporated the flavor will be.
- Serve with cheese, sour cream or your favorite chili garnish.
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