Cozy Three Bean Beef Chili for Ultimate Comfort Food Nights
This hearty Three Bean Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights and crowd-pleasing gatherings.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 can (15 oz) Kidney Beans Always drain and rinse.
- 1 can (15 oz) Pinto Beans Can substitute with an additional can of kidney beans.
- 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans Drain and rinse before use.
- 1 can (28 oz) Crushed Tomatoes San Marzano recommended for optimal taste.
- 2 cups Beef Broth Can replace with vegetable broth.
- 1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce Choose a smoky variant for extra depth.
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder Adjust according to your heat preference.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar Balances acidity of tomatoes.
- 1 medium Onion Dice and cook until softened.
- to taste Salt and Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.
Optional Toppings
- to taste Green Onions Adds a fresh crunch.
- to taste Shredded Cheddar Cheese Melts beautifully on top.
- to taste Sour Cream Offsets the spice nicely.
Instructions
How to Make Three Bean Beef Chili
- Dice the Onion: Start by chopping the onion into small pieces. Set this aside so it's ready to add to the skillet when the time comes.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Don't forget to drain any excess fat!
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, toss in the diced onions and cook until they become softened and translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes.
- Toast the Spices: Add the chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute to awaken those delicious spices.
- Combine in a Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef and onion mixture into a slow cooker for a smooth cooking process.
- Mix It Up: Add all the rinsed beans, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar to the slow cooker. Mix everything together thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors.
- Cook It Right: Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Finish Up: Before serving, skim off any excess fat, taste the chili, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve with Flair: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite optional toppings like green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
Notes
Optional: Try adding a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing twist!