With three kinds of beans, this meat-free Crock-Pot Bean Chili easily helps you reach your goal of 30 plants a week, and it’s so flavorful, filling, and easy to make!
When the colder seasons roll around, I’m all about a cozy bowl of chili on a dark and gloomy day!
You can make the whole dish in one pot, it’s meat-free, and it comes together so quickly if you’re in a mid-week rush to get dinner on the table! There really isn’t much this chili can’t do.
Plus, with the ease of a crock-pot, you can just set it and forget it! Packed full of fiber and plant-powered protein, this chili will warm you up and keep you full and energized for whatever comes your way this winter.
Is a Crock-pot bean chili Healthy?
Yes, beans are most definitely healthy, and they’re a great substitute for meat, too! You can’t really go wrong with beans. They’re high in fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins, and they easily step in for meat thanks to their high amounts of plant-based protein.
Cooked in a crock-pot (also known as a slow cooker), beans retain a lot of their nutritional value, which can be diminished during high-heating cooking. For the healthiest beans, opt for the dried kind that you soak overnight as canned beans can sometimes contain added sugars, salt, or preservatives.
Where is Chili From?
Chili, particularly in its most recognized form as chili con carne, has its origins deeply rooted in Mexico and the American Southwest.
Archaeological evidence has found that chili peppers were part of the diet in Mexico as early as 7,000 BC. The earliest forms of chili-like dishes emerged from Indigenous cooking practices, where chili peppers were combined with local ingredients to create stews and sauces.
The term chili con carne, which translates to “chili with meat,” specifically refers to a dish that became popular in the USA in the 19th century. This dish typically includes beef, tomatoes, and beans, though variations exist regarding the inclusion of beans, and to this day this is a topic of debate among chili enthusiasts.
While chili con carne is often associated with Texan cuisine today, its roots are firmly planted in the fusion of Mexican and Texan culinary traditions. Over time, various regional adaptations have emerged across the United States and beyond, leading to diverse interpretations of the dish. For instance, Cincinnati chili is a distinct variation that incorporates Mediterranean spices and is served over spaghetti.
How to make ahead and store
This chili is a great make-ahead meal because it freezes and reheats so well! I recommend storing it in portion-sized amounts in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and labeling it with the date you made it. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or it will keep in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before heating on the stove until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
If this chili sounds like your jam, there are plenty of delicious side dishes you can serve it with! Classic sides like cornbread or brown rice are always reliable for a good, hearty meal, but you can also be a bit more experimental with your Tex-Mex and try this chili with some Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese!
For a fun snack, I love to make some tortilla chips topped with chili and garnished with shredded cheese, onions, guacamole, and sour cream.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup onion diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 teaspoons chile powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch black pepper freshly ground
- 1 cup parsley minced
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients, except the parsley, into your crock-pot and stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
- When it's ready, stir in the parsley and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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