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Easy Crockpot Three-Bean Chili

easy crockpot three-bean chili - featured image

A hearty, slow-cooker chili made with three types of beans, tomatoes, and spices. This recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers deep, savory flavor perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef, browned (optional)
  • 1 (15 oz) can red beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5 oz) carton chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. If using ground beef, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef, breaking it into crumbles, then drain excess fat and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic in the last 30 seconds.
  4. Transfer the onions, garlic, and beef (if using) to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  5. Add the rinsed red, kidney, and pinto beans.
  6. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth.
  7. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. If too thin, leave lid off for the last hour or mash some beans.

Notes

For best flavor, sauté the onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker. This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. To thicken, mash some beans against the side of the pot or use a cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, three bean chili, crockpot recipe, vegetarian chili, meal prep, easy dinner, comfort food