Three Bean and Beef Chili Light

Elevate your chili game with this hearty and wholesome Three Bean and Beef Chili Light—a flavor-packed, protein-rich dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Made with lean ground beef, three varieties of nutrient-dense beans (black, pinto, and kidney), and a vibrant blend of spices like smoky paprika and chili powder, this lighter version of classic chili is big on taste but mindful of calories. A medley of diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions adds freshness, while a touch of tomato paste and low-sodium broth create a rich, savory base. Ready in under an hour and customizable with garnishes like Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and a zesty squeeze of lime, this one-pot wonder is an easy, satisfying meal that pleases a crowd. Whether served solo or paired with crusty bread, this recipe is a surefire hit for anyone seeking bold flavor and a balanced, healthy meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 15-ounce can canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 15-ounce can canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 15-ounce can canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 28-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0.25 cup Greek yogurt or light sour cream (optional, for garnish)
• 4 wedges lime wedges (optional, for serving)

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, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lean ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and chicken or beef broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Gently fold in the black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices if needed.

Step 10

Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro, a dollop of Greek yogurt or light sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3006.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2225.3

Total Fat 76.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.1g
Cholesterol 299.9mg	0%
Sodium 4269.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 230.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 79.9g	0%
Total Sugars 44.9g
Protein 162.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 768.6mg	0%
Iron 36.9mg	0%
Potassium 5131.7mg	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: 30.4%

Protein: 28.7%

Carbs: 40.8%