Go Back
–+ servings
beans for chili

Three Bean Chili

Emma
This hearty, high-protein vegan three bean chili is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. Packed with kidney, black, and pinto beans simmered in a deeply flavorful tomato base with a hint of cocoa, it’s a nourishing and satisfying meal loved by vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 295 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 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 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle powder optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder or 1 square dark chocolate

Instructions
 

  • Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Build Flavor: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and chipotle powder. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add Beans and Liquids: Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir in cocoa powder or dark chocolate until dissolved. Add all three types of beans. Bring to a boil.
  • Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
  • Adjust: Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a thicker chili, mash some beans with a spoon.

Notes

For added protein, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt (vegetarian version).
For a meaty twist, add 1 lb ground turkey when sautéing the onions.
Leftovers improve in flavor and are perfect for meal prep.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Three Bean Chili
Amount per Serving
Calories
295
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
7
g
11
%
Sodium
 
490
mg
21
%
Potassium
 
910
mg
26
%
Carbohydrates
 
42
g
14
%
Fiber
 
13
g
54
%
Sugar
 
8
g
9
%
Protein
 
14
g
28
%
Vitamin A
 
920
IU
18
%
Vitamin C
 
24
mg
29
%
Calcium
 
110
mg
11
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword chili recipe, high protein vegan, meatless chili, plant-based meal, three bean chili, vegan chili
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!