Prize Winning 3 Bean Chili

Bursting with bold flavors and hearty textures, this Prize Winning 3 Bean Chili is the ultimate comfort food perfect for weeknights or game-day gatherings. Packed with a trio of protein-rich beans—black, kidney, and pinto—this recipe is a flavor symphony enhanced by aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Fresh bell peppers, onions, and optional ground beef or turkey add layers of richness, while a hint of brown sugar balances the savory spice. Simmered to perfection in a robust tomato base, this chili is as satisfying as it is versatile. Customize your bowl with vibrant cilantro, melted cheddar, or a dollop of creamy sour cream for the finishing touch. Quick to prepare and simmered to perfection in under an hour, this award-worthy chili is a must-have for your recipe collection. Keywords: 3 bean chili, prize winning chili, hearty chili recipe, bean and beef chili, easy chili recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey (optional)
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for serving, optional)
• 0.5 cup sour cream (for serving, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

If using ground beef or turkey, add it to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 5

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.

Step 6

Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, drained and rinsed beans (black, kidney, and pinto), broth, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or spices.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Offer optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3678.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3517.9

Total Fat 173.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 482.9mg	0%
Sodium 6892.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 309.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 96.5g	0%
Total Sugars 59.5g
Protein 184.2g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 1321.9mg	0%
Iron 43.1mg	0%
Potassium 7431.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.2%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 35.0%