This hearty and flavorful Three Bean and Beef Chili is a comforting meal that combines lean ground beef, a medley of beans, and rich spices like cumin and chipotle. Perfect for a chilly evening, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite chili add-ins. With a great balance of protein and fiber, it’s a healthy and satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, diced (1 cup)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced (1 cup)

• 2 carrots, diced (1/2 cup)

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (90 percent lean)

• One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

• 2 cups water

• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, seeded and minced

• 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the can of chipotles

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• One 15.5-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

• One 15.5-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• One 15.5-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over moderate heat.

2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.

3. Add the ground cumin and cook, stirring for 1 minute.

4. Add the ground beef, raise the heat to high, and cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink.

5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, water, chipotle, adobo sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.

6. Simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.

7. Stir in the beans and cook, partially covered, for 20 minutes longer.

8. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Estimated Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – 1 1/4 cup)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal

• Total Fat: 15-18g

  • Saturated Fat: 4-6g

• Cholesterol: 40-60mg

• Sodium: 700-800mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 30-35g

  • Dietary Fiber: 8-10g

  • Sugars: 6-8g

• Protein: 25-30g

A Balanced Meal Full of Flavor

This Three Bean and Beef Chili is not just about taste—it’s about balance. The inclusion of lean ground beef provides a rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance. With 90% lean ground beef, the dish is lower in fat while still offering the satisfying, savory flavor that beef brings to the table. The beans, which include black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, contribute significant fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and promoting feelings of fullness.

The combination of beef and beans not only enhances the chili’s texture but also makes it a filling, balanced meal that can keep you energized for hours. The beans, in particular, offer a plant-based source of protein that complements the beef and makes the dish heartier without the need for excessive meat. This balance of protein and fiber makes the Three Bean and Beef Chili a nutritious and satisfying meal, perfect for feeding the entire family.

Spices and Ingredients: The Heart of Chili Flavor

The rich and smoky flavor profile of Three Bean and Beef Chili comes from the thoughtful blend of spices and ingredients used in the recipe. Cumin is the cornerstone of the chili’s flavor, providing a warm, earthy undertone that infuses the entire dish. This spice is commonly used in chili recipes for its ability to complement both meat and beans, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

The addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce adds a smoky heat to the chili, elevating its complexity and giving it a deeper, more robust flavor. The chipotle peppers contribute both spice and smokiness, giving the dish an extra layer of flavor that is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat. The adobo sauce from the chipotles further deepens the taste of the chili, adding a slight tang and a rich, complex heat that makes each spoonful irresistible.

Oregano, another important herb in the recipe, adds an earthy and slightly bitter note that helps balance the richness of the meat and beans. This combination of spices—cumin, chipotle, adobo sauce, and oregano—creates a harmonious depth of flavor that makes this chili stand out.

The Health Benefits of This Chili

In addition to being delicious, Three Bean and Beef Chili is packed with health benefits. The beans provide an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and folate. These nutrients contribute to overall health, supporting muscle function, bone health, and healthy blood circulation. Fiber-rich beans also promote digestive health, help regulate cholesterol levels, and keep you feeling full longer, making the chili a great meal for weight management.

The vegetables—onion, bell pepper, and carrots—add essential vitamins and minerals to the dish, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional profile. Onions are a rich source of antioxidants and sulfur compounds, which support heart health and immune function. Bell peppers, especially red ones, are loaded with vitamin C, which is vital for skin health, immune support, and overall well-being. Carrots provide vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function, as well as beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from oxidative stress.

By combining protein-rich beef with nutrient-dense vegetables and beans, this chili provides a balanced and hearty meal that supports various aspects of health, from heart health to digestion.

A Comforting Dish for All Occasions

Three Bean and Beef Chili is a versatile dish that is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or a meal prep option for the week, this chili is both easy to prepare and highly adaptable. Its hearty nature makes it an excellent dish for colder months when you’re craving something warm and comforting. However, it’s a satisfying meal year-round, ideal for serving at any time.

This chili is also perfect for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator for several days and can be easily reheated. Making a large batch ensures you’ll have plenty of leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week, making it a great time-saver for busy individuals and families. The flavors in the chili actually improve over time as the ingredients continue to meld together, making it even more delicious the next day.

Additionally, this chili is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a tailgate party, or a potluck. Its comforting flavors and satisfying ingredients make it a favorite among people of all ages, and you can easily scale the recipe to accommodate larger gatherings. Serve it with your favorite chili toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, and you’ll have a meal that everyone will love.

Customizing Your Chili

While the Three Bean and Beef Chili recipe is delicious as it is, one of the joys of chili is how easy it is to customize to your preferences. For those who like their chili spicier, you can add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat. You could also experiment with different types of beans or add in other vegetables, such as zucchini, corn, or spinach, to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.

For a lighter version, you can substitute the ground beef with leaner ground turkey or chicken, which will reduce the fat content while still providing a good amount of protein. If you prefer a vegetarian version, the ground beef can be replaced with additional beans or plant-based protein options, such as lentils or tofu.

If you enjoy a thicker chili, you can allow it to simmer for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, if you prefer a soupier chili, you can add more water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. The versatility of this dish allows you to make it your own by adjusting the ingredients, seasonings, and texture.

How to Serve Three Bean and Beef Chili

Three Bean and Beef Chili is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Serving it with warm cornbread or a crusty loaf of bread is a classic and comforting option. You can also serve it with rice or over baked potatoes for a heartier meal.

If you’re looking to add more vegetables, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the richness of the chili. You can also serve it with a side of avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy contrast to the spicy, savory flavors of the chili.

Conclusion: A Hearty and Satisfying Meal

Three Bean and Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It’s a dish that can easily be made in large batches, stored for later, and customized to suit your tastes. With its combination of lean ground beef, a variety of beans, and bold spices, it’s the perfect meal for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or meal prep for the week.

This chili provides a great balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying option that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner after a long day, a dish to serve at your next gathering, or a simple meal to warm you up on a cold evening, Three Bean and Beef Chili is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.