Hearty Three Bean Chili
A delicious and hearty vegetarian chili made with three types of beans for a satisfying meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Potato masher optional, for thickening
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 zucchini diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
Preparation
- Drain and rinse the beans. Chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots. Set aside the optional ingredients you plan to use.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to become fragrant.
- Add the drained beans, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using, add the corn, zucchini, cilantro, and lime juice during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir to combine.
Serving
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
Storage
- Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Pro Tips: For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans. Adjust spice levels to taste. Ingredient Substitutions: Use any beans you have on hand. How to Serve: Garnish with avocado, cheese, or tortilla chips. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container. Make-Ahead Tips: Chili flavor improves overnight, making it ideal for meal prep.