There’s something incredibly satisfying about the bubbling pot of chili that fills the air with warmth and comfort. Picture this: the tangy aroma of crushed tomatoes mingling with the savory notes of seasoned ground beef and just the right amount of barbecue sauce. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with my Hearty Three Bean Beef Chili—a dish that has become a staple in my home, especially during family gatherings or game days.
As the chilly weather nudges us indoors, this chili simmers away beautifully on the stove, allowing me to catch up on my favorite shows or unwind with a good book. With a hearty blend of kidney, pinto, and black beans, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for anyone craving something hearty yet simple to prepare. Let’s dive into this delightful creation that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
Why is this Three Bean Beef Chili special?
Comforting Warmth: This dish wraps you in a cozy embrace, perfect for chilly nights.
Unique Flavor Twist: The addition of barbecue sauce creates an unexpected depth that elevates traditional chili.
Easy Preparation: With a straightforward cooking process, you can enjoy the aroma of simmering goodness without the fuss.
Bean Bonanza: A delightful mix of kidney, pinto, and black beans adds heartiness and nutrition, making it a family favorite.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for game days or gatherings, everyone will love this hearty chili. Want to enhance your meal even further? Pair it with warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Three Bean Beef Chili Ingredients
For the Chili Base
• Lean Ground Beef – Provides the meaty foundation; use 90/10 or 93/7 for less grease. Substitute with ground turkey or chicken if desired.
• Kidney Beans – Adds texture and protein; drain and rinse to reduce sodium.
• Pinto Beans – Enhances heartiness; prepare the same way as kidney beans for best results.
• Black Beans – Contributes flavor and nutrition; always drain and rinse before using.
• Crushed Tomatoes – Creates a robust tomato base; San Marzano variety is recommended for superior taste.
• Beef Broth – Provides depth to the chili’s flavor; opt for low-sodium for a healthier option.
• Barbecue Sauce – Adds sweetness and complexity; choose a sauce you enjoy for the best flavor.
• Brown Sugar – Balances acidity from the tomatoes; crucial for achieving a well-rounded taste.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and aroma; dice it into 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking.
• Chili Powder – The main flavoring spice; adjust to your heat preference, starting with 2 tablespoons.
• Dried Oregano – Provides an earthy flavor; commonly found in many chili recipes.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings; enhance the overall taste of the dish.
For the Toppings
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds creaminess and flavor; sprinkle on top right before serving for a melty finish.
• Sour Cream – Provides a cool contrast to the chili’s heat; dollop on each serving as desired.
• Sliced Green Onions – Fresh garnish that adds crunch and color; optional, but highly recommended for presentation.
How to Make Three Bean Beef Chili
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Dice and Brown: Start by dicing the onion and setting it aside. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, cooking until fully browned. Drain excess grease for a lighter dish.
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Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
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Blend Spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper; toast for 1 minute. This helps to bloom the flavors, making your chili even more delicious.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture to a slow cooker. Add in the drained kidney, pinto, and black beans, along with the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The slow cooking process will meld all the flavors beautifully.
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Final Touches: After cooking, skim any excess fat from the surface of the chili. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and serve it hot, alongside your favorite toppings.
Optional: Try garnishing with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Three Bean Beef Chili
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Fridge: Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until piping hot.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain consistency.
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Flavor Development: Great news! The flavors of the Three Bean Beef Chili improve after a day in the fridge, making it even more delicious upon reheating.
Expert Tips for Three Bean Beef Chili
- Balance Flavors: Taste the chili before serving; adjusting with a pinch more salt or brown sugar can elevate the overall taste.
- Bean Quality: Use high-quality canned beans; rinsing well removes excess sodium and ensures your chili isn’t overly salty.
- Cook Low and Slow: For the best flavor, aim for 6-7 hours on low heat; this allows flavors to develop and meld beautifully.
- Avoid Grease: Drain the cooked ground beef thoroughly to prevent your chili from becoming greasy—nobody wants an oily bowl!
- Customize Heat: Start with the lower end of chili powder and gradually increase to find your perfect spice level. Enjoy experimenting!
What to Serve with Hearty Three Bean Beef Chili?
Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this chili is perfect for sharing with loved ones and building a full meal.
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Warm Cornbread: The slight sweetness and soft texture of cornbread make it the perfect companion to mop up every last drop of chili.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The crisp and tangy elements of coleslaw add a refreshing crunch that balances the rich, hearty chili.
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Savory Nachos: Piled high with cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole, nachos create a fun and flavorful pairing that complements the chili’s warmth.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the chili’s bold flavors.
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Garlic Bread: Toasted with herbs and butter, garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and buttery richness that perfectly pairs with the chili.
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Apple Cider: This subtly sweet and spiced drink enhances the flavors of the chili while providing a cozy experience on a chilly evening.
Enhance your dining experience by serving the chili with a side of these delicious options, creating a comforting feast that everyone will love!
Make Ahead Options
These Hearty Three Bean Beef Chili preparations are perfect for busy weeknights and meal planning! You can brown the ground beef and sauté the onions up to 24 hours in advance. Simply let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can conveniently mix together the canned beans, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, barbecue sauce, and spices up to 3 days ahead; just keep everything in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. When you’re set to serve, combine the prepared ingredients in your slow cooker and cook as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy a flavorful, comforting chili with minimal effort, just as delicious as if made fresh!
Three Bean Beef Chili Variations
Feeling adventurous? Let your culinary creativity shine by customizing this chili to fit your taste!
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Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a delightful leaner option. Just add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist!
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Bean Mix-Up: Try different beans like garbanzo or navy beans for a unique texture, or use fresh beans for added nutrition and flavor.
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Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers and corn for an extra layer of sweetness and color. They’ll brighten up the pot and enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper if you crave heat. Adjust to your preference for a little extra warmth!
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Savory Herbs: Enhance the depth by adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving. It adds a fresh, vibrant touch to each bowl.
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Sweeten the Deal: Swap barbecue sauce with honey chipotle sauce for a sweet, smoky twist. This will give your chili a delightful depth of flavor.
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Chili with a Twist: Substitute crushed tomatoes with tomato sauce or even salsa for a different base flavor. Each option will lend a unique personality to your chili.
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Creamy Touch: Top with a dollop of avocado crema or guacamole for a creamy finish, balancing out the chili’s spice with cool richness.
With these variations, your Three Bean Beef Chili will never be the same twice!
Three Bean Beef Chili Recipe FAQs
What type of beans should I use for the best flavor and texture?
Absolutely! Using kidney, pinto, and black beans creates a delightful texture and flavor variety. Ensure you drain and rinse the canned beans to minimize sodium and enhance their natural taste, making your Three Bean Beef Chili even more appealing.
How long can I store leftover chili in the fridge?
You can keep your leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When reheating, be sure to heat it thoroughly on the stovetop or microwave until piping hot to enjoy it at its best!
Can I freeze the Three Bean Beef Chili?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, freeze your portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chili overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
What should I do if my chili turned out too spicy?
Very common! If you find your chili too spicy, you can mellow it out by adding a bit of sugar, such as brown sugar, which balances flavors. Alternatively, stir in a splash of cream or sour cream if you’d like to cool it down while adding a delicious creaminess.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind when making this chili?
Absolutely! If cooking for family or friends with dietary restrictions, consider the following:
- Allergies: Always check ingredient labels for allergens, especially if using store-bought sauces or canned goods.
- Gluten-Free: To make the chili gluten-free, ensure any barbecue sauce used is certified gluten-free.
- For Pets: While the ingredients are tasty for humans, it’s best to avoid feeding chili to pets, especially with spices. Always keep their diet in mind!
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce calories. Additionally, using low-sodium broth and rinsing the beans well will help cut down on sodium content, making your Three Bean Beef Chili wonderfully hearty yet healthier!
Delicious Three Bean Beef Chili with a BBQ Kick
Equipment
- - Skillet
- - Slow Cooker
Ingredients
For the Chili Base
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Use 90/10 or 93/7 for less grease.
- 1 can Kidney Beans Drain and rinse to reduce sodium.
- 1 can Pinto Beans Prepare the same way as kidney beans.
- 1 can Black Beans Always drain and rinse before using.
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes San Marzano variety is recommended.
- 2 cups Beef Broth Opt for low-sodium for a healthier option.
- 1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce Choose a sauce you enjoy for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Balances acidity from the tomatoes.
- 1 medium Onion Dice into 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder Adjust to your heat preference.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Provides an earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Essential seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Essential seasoning.
For the Toppings
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Sprinkle on top before serving.
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream Dollop on each serving as desired.
- 1/4 cup Sliced Green Onions Optional, but recommended for presentation.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Start by dicing the onion and setting it aside. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, cooking until fully browned. Drain excess grease for a lighter dish.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper; toast for 1 minute to bloom the flavors.
- Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture to a slow cooker. Add in the drained kidney, pinto, and black beans, along with the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- After cooking, skim any excess fat and adjust seasoning to taste, serve hot with your favorite toppings.