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Slow Cooker Vegetarian Three Bean Chili

A warm, filling, and easy-to-make chili, perfect for chilly nights or busy weeknights, featuring black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans in a rich tomato base.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Beans and Tomatoes
  • 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) crushed tomatoes
Vegetables
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • kosher salt, to taste
Toppings
  • shredded cheddar cheese for serving
  • sour cream for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by adding the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, crushed tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and vegetable broth to a 6-quart slow cooker. Then stir well so the spices and vegetables are mixed evenly throughout the pot.
Cooking
  1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours if you need dinner sooner.
Finishing
  1. When the chili is done, use the back of a large spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker to thicken the chili.
  2. Before serving, taste the chili and add kosher salt as needed. If you want a bolder flavor, you can add more chili powder or cumin, adjusting slowly.
Serving
  1. Ladle the chili into bowls and finish each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot.

Notes

This chili is great for meal prep, potlucks, and leftovers. It pairs well with cornbread, salads, tortilla chips, or rice. For thicker chili, mash some beans before serving.