Easy Three Bean Chili Recipe

This three bean chili recipe is the perfect, no-fuss meal on a cold winter day.  It’s full of beans, ground beef, and savory spices. 

It’s a Saturday evening, and I’m writing this post while watching the nightly news.  They are showing coverage of the Blizzard of 2016. Luckily, here in Florida, it’s just extremely windy and cool but for a large part of the country, it’s a nasty mess of wind and snow.

I thought it would be a good time to share my recipe for three bean chili.  It wasn’t too many years ago that I lived further up north.  When it got cold, all I wanted to do was stay inside, curl up under a blanket and eat something warm.

How to Make Three Bean Chili:

First, gather and prep all the ingredients you need to complete the recipe. For example, drain and rinse the beans and set them aside for later. Go ahead and drain the Hatch Chiles, as well.

Next, in a large pot over medium heat, combine the ground beef and onions. Cook them for 10-15 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked.

Then, add the tomatoes, all the beans, garlic, chiles, all the spices, and the stock. Afterward, let the chili cook over medium-high for 30-40 minutes, allowing the mixture to boil. 

Last, remove the chili from the heat and serve garnished with cheese, green onions, and sour cream.

Should you drain the beans for chili?

We always drain the beans for chili, unless we’re using chili beans, like in the Instant Pot chili recipe. Canned beans sit in a solution to help keep them preserved. Some solutions contain added salt, others contain sugar, and yet others have a gritty texture and odd taste.

In our opinion, it’s good practice to rinse and drain canned beans before using them in recipes.

Chili beans are different. Chili beans are usually pinto beans canned in a mild chili sauce. The chili sauce helps flavor the dish, so don’t drain or rinse the chili bean variety.

Can Ranch style beans be used in Three Bean Chili?

Yes, Ranch style beans would make a great option for this three bean chili. Ranch beans are generally made with pinto beans, tomato puree, and spices, like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and vinegar.

Some of the other spices in this recipe may need to be reduced or omitted if Ranch beans are used, but feel free to give them a try. They would make a tasty addition. We’ve even mentioned it below in our “Tips” section.

Tips for Making the Best Three Bean Chili:

• Make sure to let it cook for at least 30-minutes to cook out the taste of the cans.
• To make a vegetarian version, omit the beef and substitute vegetable stock for beef stock.
• Feel free to add any type of canned beans, like pintos or even Ranch style varieties.

Love chili and soup? Here are some other recipes you might like!

Easy French Onion Soup

Instant Pot Black Bean Chili

Easy Tomato Soup

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Print

Three Bean Chili

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

50 mins

 

This three bean chili recipe is the perfect, no-fuss meal on a cold winter day.  It's warm, hearty, filling, and so simple to prepare.   

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Three Bean Chili

Servings: 8 Servings

Calories: 178 kcal

Author: Kimberly

Ingredients

• 1 15.5 Ounce Can of Kidney Beans (drained, rinsed)
• 1 15.5 Ounce Can of Black Beans (drained, rinsed)
• 1 15.5 Ounce Can of Cannellini Beans (drained, rinsed)
• 16 Ounces Ground Beef
• 1 28 Ounce Can of Diced Tomatoes
• 1/2 Cup Spanish Onion (diced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (diced)
• 1 4 Ounce Can of Hatch Chiles (drained)
• 1 Tablespoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Chipotle Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
• 1 Tablespoon Cumin
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
• 32 ounces Beef Stock

Instructions

1. First, drain and rinse the beans and set them aside for later. Go ahead and drain the Hatch chiles as well.

2. Next, in a large pot over medium heat, combine the ground beef and onions. Cook them for 10-15 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked. 

3. Then, add the tomatoes, all the beans, garlic, chiles, all the spices, and the stock.

4. Afterward, let the chili cook over medium-high for 30-40 minutes, allowing the mixture to boil.

5. Last, remove the chili from the heat and serve garnished with cheese, green onions, and sour cream.

Recipe Notes

The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients and a serving size of one cup without toppings. Actual calories may vary.

Nutrition Facts

Three Bean Chili

Amount Per Serving (8 Ounces)

Calories 178 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 11g 17%

Saturated Fat 4g 20%

Cholesterol 40mg 13%

Sodium 1165mg 49%

Potassium 447mg 13%

Total Carbohydrates 5g 2%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 1g

Protein 12g 24%

Vitamin A 11%

Vitamin C 1.6%

Calcium 3.9%

Iron 12.8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.