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If you're looking for quick and satisfying meals, these 3-bean chili recipes might just be what you need. Packed with protein and flavor, they come together in your Instant Pot in no time. From classic versions to spicy twists, there's something here for everyone. Plus, you can easily customize each recipe with your favorite toppings. So, what's the secret to making these chilis truly shine?
Key Takeaways
- Quick Cooking: Most 3-bean chili recipes require only 15-30 minutes in the Instant Pot, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Protein-Packed: Combining black, kidney, and pinto beans offers a hearty, protein-rich meal that keeps you full longer.
- Flavorful Variations: Customize your chili with additional ingredients like sweet corn, bell peppers, or chipotle for unique flavors.
- Easy Meal Prep: Prepare a large batch ahead of time; it stores well in the fridge or freezer for convenient meals.
- Serve Versatile: Enjoy chili on its own, over rice, or with cornbread, making it adaptable for different tastes and occasions.
Classic 3-Bean Chili
Making a classic 3-bean chili in your Instant Pot is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal. This recipe combines three types of beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices to create a comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Whether you're serving it at a family gathering, a cozy night in, or as a meal prep option for the week, this chili is sure to please everyone at the table. The beauty of the Instant Pot lies in its ability to develop deep flavors in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop.
With the pressure cooking feature, you can have a rich, flavorful chili ready in just about 30 minutes. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, satisfying chili that's packed with protein and fiber!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro
To prepare the classic 3-bean chili, start by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add a splash of oil and sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, allowing the spices to bloom for about a minute. Next, add the diced tomatoes with their juices, the rinsed beans, and vegetable broth. Stir everything well to combine.
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes before carefully switching to a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
Open the lid, give the chili a good stir, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, and top with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro.
Extra Tips: For an even richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of hot sauce for some heat. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving.
Feel free to experiment with different types of beans or add vegetables like corn or zucchini to make this chili your own! Enjoy your hearty meal!
Spicy Southwest 3-Bean Chili
Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or simply craving a comforting bowl of chili, this recipe delivers on taste and satisfaction. Serve it with some cornbread or over rice for a complete meal, and don't forget to garnish with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or shredded cheese.
Let's explore the ingredients and cooking instructions for this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream
Cooking Instructions:
Start by pressing the "Sauté" button on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil, followed by the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Next, add in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, stirring to coat the onions and garlic with the spices. This step will enhance the flavors of your chili.
Once fragrant, add the rinsed beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the beans are submerged in the liquid.
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
Stir the chili, taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or corn to your chili.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans with a fork after cooking to create a creamier texture.
This chili also freezes well, so make a double batch to enjoy later on chilly days!
Feel free to adjust the spice levels by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper or adding fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.
Enjoy your hearty bowl of Spicy Southwest 3-Bean Chili!
Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili
Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili is a delightful and hearty dish that's perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, plant-based meal. Packed with protein from a mix of beans and vibrant vegetables, this chili isn't only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying.
Whether you're serving it for a cozy dinner or preparing it for a gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The beauty of this chili lies in its versatility; you can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings.
With the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. This recipe will guide you through creating a comforting bowl of Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili that's rich in taste and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese
To prepare the Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili, start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Next, add the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Carefully remove the lid, stir the chili, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the chili hot with your choice of toppings for a delicious and hearty meal.
Extra Tips: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as corn or mushrooms, or by adjusting the spices to suit your taste. For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans with a fork before cooking.
Additionally, this chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for longer storage, making it a great option for meal prep.
Smoky Chipotle 3-Bean Chili
Ideal for gatherings or meal prep, this chili is both satisfying and nutritious. You can serve it over rice, with cornbread, or simply enjoy it on its own.
The smoky chipotle adds a depth of flavor that elevates this dish, making it a favorite among chili lovers. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a pot of this delicious chili that will definitely impress family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up.
Once hot, add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for another minute to toast the spices. Now, add the three types of beans and vegetable broth to the pot, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
Close the lid, guarantee the valve is set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, you can adjust the amount of chipotle peppers based on your heat preference.
If you like your chili thicker, consider mashing some of the beans with a fork after cooking. This will help create a creamier texture.
Additionally, this chili can be easily customized; feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and flavor. Enjoy your smoky chipotle chili with your favorite toppings!
Sweet and Savory 3-Bean Chili
This Sweet and Savory 3-Bean Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or as a hearty meal for gatherings. The combination of three types of beans, sweet corn, and a rich blend of spices creates a delightful balance of flavors that will warm you from the inside out.
Utilizing the Instant Pot makes this dish not only easy to prepare but also quick to cook, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in a fraction of the time.
In this recipe, you'll find that the sweetness of the corn and a hint of brown sugar complement the savory elements of the chili. Topped with your favorite garnishes, this dish can be customized to suit your taste. Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Next, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and brown sugar to the pot, stirring for another minute to toast the spices.
Once the vegetables are fragrant, add in the rinsed beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Stir everything well to combine, then secure the lid on the Instant Pot.
Set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before carefully venting any remaining pressure.
Finally, taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to adjust the spice level of your chili by adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick.
You can also enhance the sweetness by using fire-roasted tomatoes or adding a splash of maple syrup. For a thicker chili, let it sit on the sauté mode for a few extra minutes after cooking, stirring occasionally.
Don't forget to top with your favorite garnishes such as avocado, cilantro, or shredded cheese for added flavor and texture!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Dried Beans Instead of Canned Beans?
While canned beans offer convenience, dried beans provide a richer flavor and texture. If you soak and cook them properly, you can absolutely use dried beans instead of canned. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly!
How Do I Store Leftover Chili?
To store leftover chili, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to five days or freeze it for up to three months for later enjoyment.
What Sides Pair Well With 3-Bean Chili?
You'll love pairing your 3-bean chili with cornbread, avocado slices, or a fresh garden salad. For added crunch, try tortilla chips or a side of steamed vegetables. These sides enhance the chili's rich flavors beautifully!
Can I Freeze 3-Bean Chili for Later?
Yes, you can freeze 3-bean chili for later. Just let it cool, transfer it to airtight containers, and store it in the freezer. It'll taste delicious when you reheat it later!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more chili powder or hot sauce for heat. If it's too spicy, stir in sour cream or yogurt to mellow it out. Taste as you go!
