Hairy Bikers 3 Bean Chilli Recipe

This hearty, comforting Hairy Bikers 3 Bean Chilli Recipe is made with mixed tinned beans, rich tomatoes, and warming spices, ready in 55 minutes. The thick, fragrant tomato sauce reduces down until it coats every single tender bean perfectly. I always make a double batch for the week.

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Why This Classic Works

I used to think a vegetarian chilli would lack depth without slow-cooked beef. That was until I discovered how roasting the spices before adding the tomatoes builds an incredible savory base.

The trio of beans provides different textures, preventing the dish from turning to mush. Taking the time to let it simmer gently is the real key to developing those rich flavors.

Hairy Bikers 3 Bean Chilli Recipe Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 tbsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 400g tin kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 400g tin black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 400g tin cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 300ml vegetable stock

How To Make Hairy Bikers 3 Bean Chilli Recipe

1. Sauté the veg: Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat, then fry the onion and pepper for 5 to 8 minutes until soft.
2. Add the aromatics: Stir in the garlic, chilli powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Build the sauce: Pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and vegetable stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer the beans: Tip in all three tins of drained beans, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until thick.

Recipe Tips

• Rinse the beans well: Removing the canning liquid prevents the chilli sauce from becoming overly salty or starchy.
• Let it rest: Allowing the chilli to sit off the heat for 10 minutes before serving helps the flavours settle and mingle.
• Adjust the heat: Start with less chilli powder if you prefer a milder dish, as the spices intensify during simmering.

What To Serve With 3 Bean Chilli

Fluffy white rice and crispy tortilla chips are classic additions to soak up the rich sauce. A dollop of sour cream and freshly grated cheddar cheese balance the heat perfectly.

How To Store

Keep leftover chilli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of tinned?
Yes, but you must soak and fully cook them before adding them to this recipe. Tinned beans keep this dish quick and convenient.

Why is my chilli too watery?
If the sauce hasn’t reduced enough, simply simmer it uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the excess liquid to evaporate.

Can I add extra vegetables?
Sweetcorn, diced courgette, or carrots work wonderfully in this base. Add them at the same time as the bell peppers to ensure they soften properly.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 52g
• Protein: 16g

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Beef Chocolate Chilli Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Chunky Chilli​ Recipe
• Hairy Bikers​ Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe