Three-Bean Chili Chowder
A hearty, flavorful three-bean chili chowder packed with beans, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can pork and beans ⓘ
- 2 cans (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in ground cumin and cook for another minute.
- Add drained kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, pork and beans, stewed tomatoes, chicken broth, and picante sauce.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Taste and add salt as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, sliced green onions, or sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, try using smoked paprika or chili powder in place of or in addition to ground cumin. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use a hotter picante sauce. Substitute any of the beans with chickpeas or lentils for a different texture. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chowder with crusty bread or cornbread for a satisfying meal. Top each bowl with shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with Colby-Swiss Cheese Soup for a comforting dinner spread. Consider a side salad or chips to complement the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Three-Bean Chili Chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three-Bean Chili Chowder contains roughly 993 calories, with 13g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1218mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili chowder in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this chili chowder ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit for a day allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you're ready to enjoy it. The chowder also freezes well for up to three months, so feel free to make a big batch!
What can I serve with Three-Bean Chili Chowder?
This chowder pairs wonderfully with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful liquid. A simple green salad can also add a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken Pot Pie With Frozen Vegetables or a hearty side of rice.
Can I customize the beans used in this recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of this chili chowder lies in its versatility. You can mix and match different types of beans according to your preference or what you have on hand. White beans, chickpeas, or even lentils can be great substitutes, providing unique flavors and textures while still creating a delicious dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).