Three Bean Chili | Great Freezer Meal
A three-bean chili that’s perfect to enjoy cuddled up under a blanket by the fire. A family favorite, this is comfort food at it’s best. So, let’s warm up to a bowl of chili and reminisce of years gone by.
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Chili is one of the fall and winter dishes that you can’t go wrong with. Whether you like it with a bite or a little more on the mild side (that’s me), it’s pure comfort food! I love how the aroma of this three-bean chili fills the house as it simmers. And I certainly can remember many winters where we enjoyed family dinners together over a bowl (or two) or chili.
Growing up it was always served with cheddar cheese and cornbread. In addition to that, I remember some friends in college proposing that we add sour cream. I thought that was the craziest idea. However, it ended up being delicious. And now it’s a staple when I’m serving this three-bean chili in my home.
Can you freeze chili?
Yes, you can freeze chili. Be sure that the chili is placed in an airtight container or strong, heavy-duty freezer bags.
How long does cooked chili last in the freezer?
Properly stored, chili can be frozen for up to 4 to 6 months. It’s best used within that time frame; however, it will remain safe to eat beyond that time.
Other chili recipes to try:
Slow Cooker Sausage and Sweet Potato Chili
Three-Bean WW Chili (Zero Points)
White Chicken Chili
So tell me, how do you like your chili? With Fritos? Cheese and sour cream? Hot or Mild?
This three-bean chili recipe is incredibly delicious and super easy to make. Consequently, I usually double the recipe and freeze leftovers. Guess what’s simmering on my stove right now? (wink-wink). Enjoy.
Three-Bean Chili
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 can 16 ounces pinto or red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can 15.5 ounces fava, lime or butter beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can 15.5 ounces chick-pea (garbanzo), rinsed and drained
- 1 can 14.5 ounces tomatoes, diced or crushed
- 1 can 15 ounces Spanish style tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato chili sauce or ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder or to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan or Dutch oven. Add beef or turkey, onion and garlic; cook over high heat, stirring to break up large pieces, until beef loses its pink color.
- Add remaining ingredients, bring to boil; reduce heat.
- Cover, stirring occasionally. Simmer 1-1/2 hours until meat is tender and flavors have blended.
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Hugs and Blessings!
Melissa says
I love chili! This sounds delicious!!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Melissa! I hope you’ll give it try. 🙂 Have a great week. xo.
Denise @ Go Cheap or Go Home says
I made chili yesterday; I think it is our new Halloween night Chili. I accidentally opened a can of pinto beans instead of kidney, so we had kidney, pinto and black- a three bean chili by accident. I love mine with tortilla chips or fritos and Greek Yogurt instead of Sour Cream
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks for stopping by Denise! I’m going to have to give the tortilla chips/fritos and greek yogurt…sounds interesting and I like to shake things up. 🙂 xo.
Liz says
Nice recipe. Thanks Kelly. Have a great weekend.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks for stopping by Liz. Have a wonderful week. xo.
Tisa says
This is on my stove now. 🙂 added one more can of Tom sauce cuz I like it saucy. Hopefully my 2 yr old will eat it!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks for giving the recipe a try Tisa! Wish I was there to enjoy a bowl! Have a great week. HUGS.
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
This sounds so delicious Kelly! I am making my favorite cornbread tonight and now I wish I had this chili to go with it!! Pinning!
Kelly Rowe says
It’s delicious…that’s for sure Claire. 🙂 Thanks for the pin. Have a GREAT week! xo.
madetobeamomma says
Looks delicious!!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you give the chili a try. 🙂 xo.
kris says
yum! chili is a winter favorite! thanks for sharing. LOVE the photos. 🙂
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks for stopping by and loving on my recipe! Have a great week. HUGS.
Deb @ Kneaded Creations says
Hi Kelly! Bean soup is just one of those things that makes fall my favorite season- especially if I have cornbread with it! just popping over from the Marvelous Mondays Link Party. I have pinned, liked and tweeted, and g+-ed. I would love it if you would drop by my site at http://www.kneadedcreations.com for a short visit! I will look forward to seeing you there! Deb @ Kneaded Creations.
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
I’m all about chilis, soups, and stews at this time of year. Perfect one-pot meal! I like mine with sour cream, cheese, chopped green onions, and sometimes a slice or two of pickled jalapeno!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
What a fun chili bowl! Chili is one of the reasons I can tolerate winter, love this!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much, Brenda! Here’s to winter and chili. xo
Chasing the Donkey says
This sounds so easy! Thanks heaps.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you’ll try it. Have a GREAT weekend. xo.
cheeriosandlattes1 says
This looks delicious Kelly! I am loving your cheese basket in your pictures too! Love it! 🙂
Thao@ingoodflavor says
This looks great! I’m trying to figure out what I want for dinner tonight and a large bowl of this chili would make me very happy.