Three Bean and Beef Chili
This easy recipe crafts a hearty Three Bean and Beef Chili, perfect for a comforting meal. It features lean ground beef, an aromatic blend of diced onions, bell peppers, and carrots, simmered with crushed tomatoes, chipotle, and a trio of beans. The dish builds rich, deep flavors through careful sautéing and a sustained simmer, offering a satisfying and nutritious chili experience.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven Essential for simmering chili
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula For stirring and breaking up meat
- 1 Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
Main
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion diced (1 cup)
- 1 red bell pepper diced (1 cup)
- 2 carrots diced (1/2 cup)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 pound extra-lean ground beef 90 percent lean
- One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce seeded and minced
- 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the can of chipotles
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- One 15.5-ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
- One 15.5-ounce can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- One 15.5-ounce can pinto beans drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Heat the oil in large pot or Dutch oven over moderate heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and carrots, cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the cumin and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the ground beef; raise the heat to high and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the meat is no longer pink. Stir in the tomatoes, water, chipotle and adobo sauce, oregano and salt and pepper. Simmer, partially covered, stirring from time to time, for 30 minutes. Stir in the beans and cook, partially covered, 20 minutes longer. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Notes
For a richer chili, ensure the ground beef is properly browned, creating a flavorful fond at the bottom of the pot before adding liquids. Don't rush the initial vegetable sauté; cooking them until truly soft builds the aromatic foundation. Adjust the chipotle and adobo sauce to your preferred spice level; for more heat, add another sliver of chipotle. A longer simmer, even beyond 50 minutes, allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen. For serving, consider garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced scallions to add freshness, texture, and balance. A small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder or a splash of coffee can also enhance the chili's richness.