Easy Three Bean and Beef Chili Recipe

This easy three bean and beef chili recipe is warm, rich, and filling without being hard to make. It has a thick texture, a gentle spice, and that cozy smell that makes the kitchen feel calm and welcoming. This is one of those dinners you can start after a long day and still feel proud of. It works well for busy nights, slow weekends, or simple meal prep. If you like meals with beans and ground beef that feel comforting and balanced, this chili is a great place to start.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 half teaspoon salt
• 1 half teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step By Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and clear, about 4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until no pink remains.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the beef is coated.
5. Add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Stir until everything is blended.
6. Pour in the beef broth and bring the pot to a gentle simmer.
7. Add all three beans to the pot and stir gently.
8. Lower the heat and let the chili simmer for 25 minutes, stirring once in a while.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

One common mistake is rushing the simmer time. Letting the chili cook slowly helps the flavors blend. Another mistake is not draining the beans. Extra liquid can make the chili thin. Also avoid very high heat, which can cause sticking and uneven cooking. Simple steps make a big difference.

Tips For Success

Use whole food ground beef recipes like this one to keep things simple and filling. If you want a thicker chili, let it simmer a little longer with the lid off. For a lighter option, you can use lean ground beef and low sodium broth. This recipe is great for meal prep ideas because it tastes even better the next day.

How To Serve

This chili fits perfectly into family friendly dinner recipes. Serve it in bowls with cornbread, rice, or a simple green salad. It also works well as part of southwest dinner recipes when topped with fresh cilantro or sliced avocado. If you enjoy comfort meals like this cheesy ground beef potato casserole, this chili will feel just as cozy.

Flavor Add In Ideas

You can easily adjust this chili to match what you have. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper flavor. Stir in a little corn for sweetness. For heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeno. These small changes keep meals with beans interesting and fun.

Make Ahead And Storage

This is one of the best dinners with ground beef healthy enough to store for later. Let the chili cool fully before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.

Easy Three Bean and Beef Chili

This easy three bean and beef chili is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights. Made with ground beef, three kinds of beans, and warm spices, it’s a comforting meal that’s simple to cook, great for meal prep, and even better the next day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and clear, about 4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until no pink remains.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the beef is evenly coated with spices.
5. Add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Stir until everything is blended.
6. Pour in the beef broth and bring the pot to a gentle simmer.
7. Add all three beans to the pot and stir gently to combine.
8. Lower the heat and let the chili simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Add toppings like cilantro, cheese, or avocado for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this chili without beef?
Yes, you can skip the beef and add more beans or lentils. It still works well for beans meals.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep ideas. The flavors improve over time and it reheats easily.

Can I make this low carb?
You can reduce the beans and add more beef. You may also enjoy these low carb recipes with ground beef for more ideas.

Conclusion

This easy three bean and beef chili recipe is a simple answer to what to make with beans and ground beef. It is warm, filling, and easy to adjust for your family. If you enjoy meals like classic meatloaf or cheesy ground beef enchiladas, this chili fits right in. Save this recipe, share it on Pinterest, and keep it ready for cozy nights ahead.