Slow Cooker Three-Bean Chili
In short: Kidney, black and pinto beans simmered all day with tomatoes, peppers, smoked paprika and cumin for a thick, filling vegan chili. It takes about 7 h 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 7 h
- Total
- 7 h 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 235 kcal
This chili is built from pantry staples: three kinds of canned beans, tomatoes, a pepper and a few spices. The slow cooker blends the flavors over a working day, and a spoonful of cocoa gives it depth without any meat. It is thick enough to eat with a spoon and holds well, so it suits meal prep, game days and cold evenings. Top it with avocado, lime, cilantro or whatever your table likes.
Instructions
- Put the beans, tomatoes, onion, pepper, carrot, garlic, tomato paste and stock into the slow cooker.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cocoa and salt, and stir well so the spices spread through the liquid.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the vegetables are soft and the chili is thick.
- Stir in the corn and cook for 20 minutes more, until it is hot.
- Mash a ladleful of beans against the side of the pot with a spoon and stir it back in. This thickens the chili without flour.
- Stir in the lime juice, taste for salt and heat, and serve in bowls with your favorite toppings.
Tips
- Soften the onion, pepper and carrot in a little oil for 5 minutes before adding them if you have time. The flavor is deeper, but the recipe also works with everything raw.
- Add a chopped chipotle in adobo or 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne for more heat.
Questions and answers
How spicy is this chili?
It is mildly spicy and family-friendly. Add cayenne, hot sauce or fresh chilies at the table to raise the heat.
Can I use dried beans?
Yes, but boil them until tender first. Raw dried kidney beans are unsafe because of a natural toxin, so never put them in the slow cooker uncooked.
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes. Cool it, freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. It often tastes even better after freezing.
How long does it take to make Slow Cooker Three-Bean Chili?
About 7 h 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 7 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Slow Cooker Three-Bean Chili?
About 235 kcal per serving, with 13 g of protein, 42 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 235 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 13 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
