There’s something about the aroma of Three Bean Chili With Ground Beef simmering on the stove that instantly makes your heart feel at home. The rich blend of spices mingles with hearty beans, and the whole concoction bubbles away like a cozy little pot of happiness. creamy potato soup recipe creamy pumpkin hummus Each whiff teases your taste buds, promising a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings with friends.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of making chili every Sunday during football season. We’d gather around the table, bowls in hand, ready to battle it out over who could handle the most heat. This chili was our secret weapon—spicy enough to make you sweat but balanced with just the right amount of flavor to keep everyone coming back for seconds. What better way to warm up than with a big bowl of this hearty goodness?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Three Bean Chili With Ground Beef is a fun and easy recipe that even novice cooks can nail
- The flavor profile bursts with savory notes from the beef and spices
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Perfect for game days or cozy family dinners, you can customize it based on your pantry staples
I remember one particular Sunday when my brother decided to add extra jalapeños just to test his spice tolerance. Let’s just say, there was more water guzzled down that day than chili eaten!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef for less grease and more flavor; you can also use turkey if you’d like.
- Canned Beans: A mix of kidney, black, and pinto beans gives an amazing texture and flavor; opt for low-sodium varieties to control saltiness.
- Onion: Use yellow or white onions for sweetness; they caramelize beautifully and add depth to the chili.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best; they elevate the dish’s flavor profile wonderfully. garlic herb mashed potatoes.
- Bell Peppers: I love using red and green bell peppers for color and sweetness; chop them finely for even cooking.
- Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes are perfect here; their acidity balances out the richness of the beef beautifully.
- Chili Powder: This is where the magic happens! Use a good quality chili powder for authentic flavor.
- Cumin: Just a dash adds a warm earthiness that rounds out all those flavors perfectly.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning is key; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Olive Oil: A splash helps in sautéing vegetables without sticking; it also adds richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping onions, bell peppers, and mincing garlic. Having everything ready means less chaos later—trust me!
Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, pour in some olive oil and add chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook until they’re soft and fragrant—around 5 minutes usually does it.
Brown the Beef: Push those veggies aside and add ground beef into the pot. Cook until browned all over—about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to break it up as it cooks so everything gets nice and mixed.
Add Garlic & Spices: Toss in minced garlic along with chili powder and cumin. Stir everything together until aromatic—this usually takes about 1 minute but feels like magic.
Mix in Beans & Tomatoes: Pour in your canned beans (drained) and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Give it all a good stir until combined—watch those colors pop!
Simmer Away: Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and let simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally—this helps develop an incredible depth of flavor.
Now you’ve made a classic comfort dish that brings warmth not just from spices but also from wonderful memories shared around the table! Enjoy every spoonful of this Three Bean Chili With Ground Beef as it dances its way into your heart—and stomach! crispy potatoes with pesto.
You Must Know
- Three Bean Chili with Ground Beef is not just a hearty meal; it’s a flavor explosion!
- The blend of spices, beans, and beef creates a delicious aroma that fills your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy restaurant
- Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers or batch cooking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a pot, then add chopped onions and garlic until fragrant. Stir in beans and spices, simmering for 30 minutes for the best flavor. For more inspiration, check out this beef stir fry recipe recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out beans or add veggies like bell peppers or corn. A touch of lime juice can also brighten the flavors!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until steaming hot.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an extra depth of flavor, let the chili sit overnight before serving
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure perfection
- If you want a thicker consistency, mash some beans while cooking
Sharing this recipe at a family gathering once turned into an impromptu competition—everyone wanted to know my secret! The laughter and compliments made it unforgettable.
FAQ
What beans work best for Three Bean Chili with Ground Beef?
For more inspiration, check out this tofu tacos with black beans recipe.
Kidney, black, and pinto beans are perfect choices for this chili recipe.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein or lentils for a veggie version.
How spicy can I make this chili?
Adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeños to suit your taste.
Three Bean Chili with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Three Bean Chili with Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines a rich blend of spices with a trio of beans and lean ground beef. This comforting chili is perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings, promising warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. With its vibrant colors and customizable ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping the onions, bell peppers, and mincing the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions and bell peppers until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Push the vegetables aside and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (6–8 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the drained beans and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
