This hearty 3-bean crockpot chili is a family favorite, loaded with protein and fiber. You can make it with TVP for a veggie-friendly twist or go with ground meat for the classic chili choice. The best part? It’s totally customizable and ridiculously easy to make. Just throw everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it!
Ingredients
Protein (Choose One Option)
- Vegetarian: 1 ½ cups TVP (textured vegetable protein) + 1 ½ cups hot vegetable broth (to rehydrate)
- Meat: 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken
Beans (Rinsed and Drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
Liquids & Tomatoes
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable or beef broth
- ½ cup beer (optional, adds depth; replace with broth if desired)
Seasonings & Extras
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Crockpot Instructions
1. Prepare the Protein
- For Vegetarian Chili: Mix TVP with hot vegetable broth in a bowl and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- For Meat Option: In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground meat with a little chili powder. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
- Place onions, bell pepper, garlic, carrot, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and beer (if using) into the slow cooker.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.
- Add TVP or cooked ground meat and mix well.
3. Cook Low and Slow
- Low for 6–8 hours (best for deep flavor)
- High for 3–4 hours (if short on time)
4. Stir in Beans & Adjust Seasoning
- Add kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans about 30 minutes before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Thicken Crockpot Chili
Since slow cookers trap moisture, the chili may be thinner than a stovetop version. To thicken:
- Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Stir in cornmeal for extra body.
- Use a cornstarch or flour slurry if you need a faster thickening method.
Serving Suggestions
✔ Cornbread, toast, or biscuits
✔ Toppings: Shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, or cilantro.
This slow cooker 3-bean chili is perfect for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and even better the next day. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal!
