Hearty & Easy Three Bean Chili Recipe: A Comforting Classic for Stovetop or Slow Cooker
Making a delicious, robust chili from scratch is surprisingly straightforward, and this recipe for Three Bean Chili is a testament to that. Whether you prefer the quick satisfaction of a stovetop meal ready in about 90 minutes or the convenience of a slow-cooked feast simmering all day in your crockpot, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease. Crafted with lean ground beef, a trio of hearty beans, rich canned tomatoes, and our signature homemade chili seasoning, it’s a timeless classic that has graced our family table for years. Its versatility means it can be effortlessly customized to suit your preferred level of spiciness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Embracing Chili Weather: The Ultimate Comfort Food
There’s an undeniable magic in a steaming bowl of chili, especially when the weather turns crisp and cold. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, offering a sense of comfort and satisfaction that few other meals can replicate. Just today, with the chill in the air, it was the absolute perfect day for a big pot of my Three Bean Chili! This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a ritual that brings families together around the dinner table, sharing warmth and good conversation.
My love for a hot bowl of homemade chili runs deep, far beyond any pre-packaged mix. I always make sure to keep a well-stocked pantry with all the essentials, especially the different kinds of beans, so that whenever the craving strikes – which is often! – I can whip up a batch. On those particularly busy days, the crockpot becomes my best friend. The beauty of this easy chili recipe lies in its simplicity: picture me, just dumping in beans, browned ground beef, tomatoes, and my carefully measured blend of spices. It’s a truly dump-and-go meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
For years, my chili creation process was more of an intuitive dance than a strict recipe. I’d toss ingredients together, adjust by taste, and somehow, a delicious pot of chili would appear. It was a “pot of stuff I threw together that made chili!” as I liked to say. But realizing how much joy it brought, I finally decided it was time to meticulously measure everything out, transforming my kitchen intuition into a shareable, classic chili recipe. Now, you too can recreate this beloved family favorite with confidence, knowing each ingredient plays its perfect part.
The Great Debate: Chili with or Without Beans?
I must confess, for a long time, I was firmly in the “no beans in chili” camp. In my younger years, I’d even meticulously pick them out! For a significant portion of my early married life, I simply omitted them from my homemade chili altogether. However, my husband is a big fan of beans, so I gradually started incorporating them back into our classic chili recipe. And I’m so glad I did!
Historically speaking, traditional red chili, particularly from Texas, often contained only meat and a fiery blend of red chili peppers, eschewing beans. So, my early preference wasn’t entirely without historical precedent! However, over time, regional variations evolved, and beans became a beloved staple in many chili recipes, adding texture, fiber, and a wonderfully earthy depth. This Three Bean Chili recipe embraces that evolution, marrying the richness of ground beef with the satisfying presence of multiple bean varieties. It truly offers the best of both worlds, providing a hearty, flavorful dish that satisfies both traditionalists and bean-lovers alike.
What are the Best Beans for a Hearty Three Bean Chili?
When crafting a robust chili, selecting the right beans is crucial. You need varieties that can hold their shape and texture through the simmering process, contributing to the chili’s hearty substance without disintegrating into mush. Forget about wimpy white beans; for this kind of depth and resilience, we turn to the champions of chili legumes!
The best beans for our Three Bean Chili are undoubtedly Kidney beans (whether red or dark red), Black beans, and Chili beans (which are essentially pinto beans pre-seasoned with chili spices). Each brings something unique to the table:
- **Kidney Beans:** These are classic chili beans, known for their distinctive kidney shape, firm texture, and slightly sweet flavor. They absorb the chili’s spices beautifully and maintain their integrity during long cooking times.
- **Black Beans:** Offering a slightly creamier texture and a richer, earthier flavor, black beans add another layer of complexity. They contribute a beautiful dark color and are packed with nutrients.
- **Chili Beans (Pinto Beans):** Often pinto beans cooked in a savory chili sauce, these beans bring a familiar, slightly milder bean flavor and a tender texture. Their pre-seasoning gives an extra flavor boost that’s hard to resist.
While using dry beans is an option for the ambitious, I’ve always found the convenience of canned beans to be unmatched for this easy chili recipe. Simply open, drain (and rinse, if preferred, to reduce sodium), and dump them in! It saves significant prep time without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or texture, making this homemade chili accessible on even the busiest weeknights. This approach ensures your chili comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal without a lengthy soak or cook time for the beans themselves.
How Do You Make Classic Three Bean Chili from Scratch?
One of the most appealing aspects of making homemade chili is that the core ingredients are almost always staples in my pantry. With the exception of the fresh ground beef, I usually have everything else tucked away in my cupboards and spice rack, making it a go-to meal when inspiration strikes or time is short.
Key Ingredients for Your Hearty Three Bean Chili:
This simple yet robust recipe relies on a harmonious blend of common ingredients to create its deep, satisfying flavor profile:
- Lean ground beef
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Three kinds of beans: Black beans, Dark Red Kidney beans, and Chili beans (or pinto beans)
- Onion (freshly chopped or dried equivalent for convenience)
- Beef broth
- Minced garlic
- Chili powder (especially our homemade blend)
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat, adjustable to taste)
- Salt and seasoned pepper
Simple Steps for Stovetop or Slow Cooker Chili:
The process for creating this rich, flavorful Three Bean Chili is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to choose the cooking method that best fits your schedule.
- **Brown the Beef:** In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, begin by browning your lean ground beef. Season it generously with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you’re using fresh onion, add it along with the minced garlic at this stage and cook until the onion is softened and fragrant. If using dried onion, it can be added later with the other spices. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess grease thoroughly for a lighter chili.
- **Combine Ingredients (Stovetop Method):** If opting for the stovetop, keep the browned beef in the same pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, drained beans (black, kidney, and chili beans), beef broth, chili powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, seasoned pepper, and remaining salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 60 to 90 minutes. This simmering time is key for allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and deepen.
- **Combine Ingredients (Slow Cooker Method):** For the ultimate hands-off approach, transfer the browned ground beef (after draining) into your slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients: crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, drained beans, beef broth, chopped onion (if fresh), minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and seasoned pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chili is rich and fragrant. The longer, slower cook time truly allows the flavors to intensify, creating an incredibly satisfying dish.
Serving Your Best Classic Chili: Toppings and Sides Galore!
Once your Three Bean Chili has simmered to perfection, scoop it into a warm bowl and enjoy it as is, or elevate it with your favorite toppings! The beauty of chili is how wonderfully it lends itself to customization. How do you like to top your chili? Here are some popular and delicious ideas:
- **Shredded Cheese:** Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are classic choices.
- **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** A cooling dollop adds a creamy contrast to the chili’s richness.
- **Fresh Herbs:** Chopped cilantro or green onions bring freshness and a pop of color.
- **Jalapeños:** Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
- **Avocado:** Diced or sliced avocado adds a creamy, healthy fat.
- **Hot Sauce:** A dash or two for those who love extra heat.
- **Crushed Tortilla Chips or Fritos:** For a satisfying crunch.
- **Cornbread Crumbles:** Crumbled cornbread adds a delightful texture and sweetness.
Love It? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this fantastic, easy Three Bean Chili recipe get lost! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it whenever a chili craving strikes. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our secret ingredient for the best chili flavor:
Our Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe
Pairing chili with homemade cornbread is always a winning combination. The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread provides a perfect counterpoint to the savory, spicy chili. Beyond cornbread, we typically enjoy an assortment of accompaniments with our chili to enhance the dining experience. These often include crusty bread for dipping, various crackers for a simple crunch, extra cheese for more creaminess, and plenty of tortilla chips for scooping up every last bit of deliciousness.
Personally, I find my chili reaches peak perfection with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese melting into the warmth and a handful of crispy tortilla chips for scooping. It’s a simple pleasure that never disappoints!
More Delicious Chili Recipes to Love!
While this Three Bean Chili is a beloved staple, there are countless variations to explore, each offering its own unique flavor profile. Depending on the day or your particular craving, you might find yourself hankering for a different kind of chili, and that’s perfectly splendid! The world of chili recipes is vast and wonderfully diverse. Here are some other chili recipes from our collection that I adore for their creativity and wonderfully distinct flavors:
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Creative Recipe Ideas for Repurposing Leftover Chili
One of the many joys of making a big batch of chili is the delicious leftovers! Beyond simply reheating it (which is always a treat), or freezing it (because chili freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep), what other culinary adventures can you embark on with leftover chili? The answer is an exciting array of possibilities! In fact, I believe chili is one of the most versatile dishes you can prepare, transforming beautifully into entirely new meals.
You can bet that if I have any chili leftover, my Chili Mac Skillet will undoubtedly make an appearance on our dinner table the following week. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that brings new life to the chili. During grilling season, my Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs are an absolute must-have – combining two beloved classics into one irresistible meal. And no matter the time of year, The Best Chili Dogs are always a huge hit around our home, proving that some combinations are just meant to be.
Furthermore, one of my absolute favorite appetizers skillfully uses leftover chili: my renowned Chili Cheese Bean Dip, famously pictured above. I must admit, I have a slight (okay, a major) weakness for it – I could easily devour half of it all by myself without a second thought! It’s creamy, savory, and wonderfully addictive. These ideas not only minimize food waste but also offer exciting new ways to enjoy the rich flavors of your homemade Three Bean Chili.
Ready to dive in and grab the full recipe for this incredibly satisfying Three Bean Chili? Let’s get cooking! 
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Print Recipe
Three Bean Chili
Equipment
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Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef browned
- 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 ounce can of each: Black beans, Dark Red kidney beans and Chili beans
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup onion chopped (substitute 1/4 cup dry chopped onion)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- To amp up the spice add some cayenne pepper!!
Instructions
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Brown ground beef with some salt and pepper, add your fresh onion if using, if using dry it’s not necessary. Drain any excess grease.
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Dump everything in your crock pot and cook on low 6-8 hours. (or cook on the stove top by simmering for 60-90 minutes)
Nutrition
This comforting Three Bean Chili recipe was originally posted on December 3, 2014. It has since been thoroughly updated with enhanced content, improved user experience, and reshared on October 21, 2020, to continue bringing warmth to your kitchen.