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3 Bean Chili (made in a slow cooker) served in a white bowl with toppings.

Three Bean Chili (Slow Cooker)

Learn how to make the BEST Bean Chili in your slow cooker (or on the stove top)! It's super easy and so delicious!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 5 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 to 8 people
Calories: 442kcal
Author: Ginnie Leeming

Ingredients

  • 2 (15-ounce / 425 gram) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (15-ounce / 425 gram) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (15-ounce / 425 gram) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (14.5-ounce / 411 gram) cans diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • 1 (15-ounce / 425 gram) can tomato sauce
  • 1 to 2 chipotle chiles, chopped, plus 1 tablespoon adobe sauce (from canned chiles)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings:

  • diced red onion
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • sour cream
  • chopped cilantro

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients (except toppings), PLUS ½ cup water, in a slow cooker. Mix well.
  • Cook chili over high heat for 2 to 3 hours, OR over low heat for 6 to 8 hours (or until onions are tender).
  • Taste chili, then season with additional salt, if needed.
  • Serve topped with red onions, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro (or your favorite toppings). Enjoy!

Notes

Stove Top - To make this recipe on your stove top, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large dutch oven (or soup pot). Add onion, then cook until tender. Stir in spices and garlic, then cook for about 1 minute (stirring constantly). Add remaining ingredients (beans, tomatoes, chipotles), then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then cook for about 30 minutes. If it gets too thick, add a little water or vegetable broth.
Beans - Feel free to swap in other beans, such as chickpeas or white beans. You can also use just one type of beans (like all black beans).
More / Less Spicy - For milder chili, use diced tomatoes with no green chiles, and just one chipotle pepper. For spicier chili, add extra chipotles and adobo sauce to taste (or add other hot peppers).
More Info - Check out the info before this recipe card for helpful tips, recipe variations, topping ideas, serving suggestions, and more!