This Three-Bean Beef Chili is the epitome of comfort food. Rich, spicy, and bursting with hearty flavors from the combination of beef, beans, and spices, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up during cooler months. You can customize it by adding your favorite chili toppings, from shredded cheese to fresh cilantro, or even a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
The slow cooking process enhances the depth of flavors, making this chili perfect for meal prep or a family-friendly dinner. It’s simple yet satisfying, filling you up without feeling overly heavy. Serve it with cornbread or crusty bread on the side to complete the cozy meal experience.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 onion, chopped
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 cup beef broth
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2 tbsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.
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Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Stir to combine everything. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
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Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings like sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 6-8 hours
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Slow Cooker Chili Is a Game Changer
There’s a reason why slow cooker recipes are so beloved in the culinary world: convenience. The beauty of slow cooking is that you can simply toss all your ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and come home later to a perfectly cooked meal. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve through other cooking methods.
For this Three-Bean Beef Chili, the slow cooker works wonders. The beef becomes incredibly tender, the beans soften perfectly, and the spices infuse the chili with their rich aroma. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weekday dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this chili practically cooks itself.
The Health Benefits of Three-Bean Beef Chili
One of the best things about this Three-Bean Beef Chili is that it’s packed with nutrients. Beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a great addition to any meal. This chili uses three different types of beans—black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans—which add a variety of textures and nutritional benefits. Beans are also known for promoting heart health and stabilizing blood sugar, making this a healthy choice for all members of the family.
In addition to the beans, the ground beef in the recipe provides a good amount of protein, iron, and B vitamins, essential for maintaining strong muscles, energy levels, and overall health. The addition of tomatoes and spices also brings antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from oxidative damage. For a dish that’s so simple to make, this chili packs a powerful nutritional punch!
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
One of the great things about chili is that it can be tailored to suit many different preferences. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or trying to accommodate various dietary restrictions, this recipe is easily adaptable. You can make it spicier or milder depending on your taste, or you can even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian or vegan, you can omit the beef entirely and add more beans or vegetables like corn or zucchini. For a bit of extra creaminess, consider adding some coconut milk or a plant-based cheese. You can also play around with different types of beans or use whatever you have in your pantry. The versatility of this chili makes it perfect for almost any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a football game watch party.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Three-Bean Beef Chili
While the chili itself is a hearty meal, it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments. Consider serving it with a side of homemade cornbread for a classic, comforting combination. If you want to go the extra mile, add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or some fresh cilantro on top to enhance the flavors even more.
For a lighter option, you can serve the chili over a bed of rice or with a side of warm crusty bread. Tortilla chips make a great crunchy contrast to the smoothness of the chili, and they’re perfect for dipping. You can even use the chili as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or tacos. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings out a different side of this delicious dish.
Slow Cooker Three-Bean Beef Chili for Meal Prep
If you love having ready-made meals throughout the week, this Three-Bean Beef Chili is perfect for meal prepping. The slow cooker allows you to make a large batch with little effort, and it stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer. Leftover chili tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
When prepping for the week ahead, simply store the chili in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. If you want to freeze it, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. You can keep it frozen for up to three months, so it’s a great option for busy weeks when you don’t have time to cook.
A Comforting Meal for All Ages
Chili is a meal that appeals to people of all ages. It’s filling, flavorful, and versatile enough to be enjoyed by everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. The blend of spices isn’t overwhelming, so it’s easy to adjust the heat levels to suit even the most sensitive palates. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a great meal to cook together with your kids, making it a fun family activity as well.
If you have picky eaters, you can even serve the chili as a topping for rice or pasta to make it more appealing. Offering a variety of toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado can also make the meal more exciting for little ones.
Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Chili
Even though slow cooker recipes are generally very easy to prepare, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your Three-Bean Beef Chili to the next level.
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Brown the meat first: While you can technically skip this step, browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker helps to develop a deeper, richer flavor. It also ensures that the beef stays nice and tender instead of becoming mushy during the slow cooking process.
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Customize your seasonings: If you like a spicier chili, feel free to add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even a jalapeño pepper for some heat. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or opt for a milder variety of beans.
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Let it cook low and slow: One of the keys to great chili is giving it time to cook. If you have the time, let the chili cook on low for 8 hours to really allow the flavors to meld together. Cooking it on high will still work in a pinch, but the low and slow method yields the best results.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Three-Bean Beef Chili is the perfect dish for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful, and comforting meals. It’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger, warm you up on a chilly day, and please the entire family. With its easy preparation, nutritious ingredients, and rich taste, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a go-to in your weekly meal rotation. Whether you serve it with cornbread, over rice, or with a variety of toppings, this chili is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Plus, the leftovers make for a delicious lunch the next day. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of homemade Three-Bean Beef Chili!
