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Hearty Smoky Three-Bean Crockpot Chili

crockpot three bean chili - featured image
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This easy slow cooker chili features three types of beans and a deep smoky flavor from smoked paprika, chipotle, and liquid smoke. It’s a hands-off, pantry-friendly meal that’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. If using bell pepper or frozen corn, prepare those as well.
  2. Drain and rinse all three cans of beans in a colander under cold water. Let drain.
  3. Layer the diced onion and minced garlic on the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  4. Add the drained beans, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and vegetable broth.
  5. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the top. Add the minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and liquid smoke. Do not stir yet.
  6. Stir everything together thoroughly with a wooden spoon until spices are evenly distributed.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until onions are translucent and broth has thickened slightly.
  8. If using bell pepper, add it during the last hour of cooking. If using frozen corn, stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or a squeeze of lime juice as needed.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, sour cream, avocado, or other desired toppings.

Notes

For deeper flavor, toast the smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding. If using dried beans, cook them separately first as they won’t soften in the acidic slow cooker environment. The chili thickens as it sits and tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, slow cooker chili, three-bean chili, smoky chili, vegetarian chili, vegan chili, easy chili recipe, meal prep chili

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/hearty-smoky-three-bean-crockpot-chili-easy-slow-cooker-dinner/