Name: Spaghetti Sauce Three Bean Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large sweet onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic ( minced); 2 pounds ground beef (lean); 15 ounce kidney beans ( drained and rinsed); 15 ounce chili pinto beans (regular pinto beans can be used instead); 15 ounce cannellini beans ( drained and rinsed); 24 ounces your favorite spaghetti sauce (or crushed tomatoes); 3 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon paprika; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1 teaspoon granulated onion; Optional cayenne can be added for extra heat, use with caution.; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)

3.73 from 11 votes

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

I have a variety of chili recipes that I use and although my Spaghetti Sauce Chili Three Bean Chili may not seem like a culinary marvel, it’s delicious and easy to make.

overhead view of three bean chili in a crock and pan it was made in

What Ingredients do I need to make Spaghetti Sauce Three Bean Chili?

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Spaghetti Sauce Three Bean Chili. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the up cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

I tend to go a little on the milder side when I make chili so I use plain beans (not chili beans) and adjust the seasonings as I go. I do keep a few bottles of hot sauce and jalapenos on hand for those that are a little more daring than I.

Do I have to use Spaghetti Sauce to Make Three Bean Chili?

No you don’t. You can replace the spaghetti sauce with crushed tomatoes. I just like the flavor the spaghetti sauce gives the chili.

Do I have to use Ground Beef to make the Chili?

No, you don’t. You can make this delicious chili with ground turkey, ground chicken or one of the new vegetarian beef substitutes.

How do I make Three Bean Chili?

In a large skillet or pot add the chopped onions, garlic and olive oil. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are lightly cooked.

ground beef added to pan with sauteed onions

Add ground meat and begin the browning process.

*add additional olive oil if needed

seasonings added to the pan with cooked ground beef

Brown all the meat continuously stirring to break up the meat. (you may find a heavy wire whisk helpful in breaking up the chunks). When the meat is nicely browned add the seasonings.

*Don’t overdue the seasonings, you can always add more.

spaghetti sauce and beans added to the pan with ground beef

Add spaghetti sauce and beans to the ground beef, combining all of the ingredients.

Reduce the heat to simmer and allow the chili to simmer for 1 – 2 hours, stirring so it won’t stick to the bottom.

If the chili begins to get too thick you can add water to the pan to get the consistency to your liking.

chili in a bowl with the pan of chili behind it

Reseason the chili to your tastes and serve with warmed (or grilled) flour or corn tortillas.

**Cayenne can be added for extra heat, use with caution. Be careful in adding cayenne if you decide to kick it up a notch as a little goes a long way.

**If you like a spicy sweet chili add a little brown sugar to the mixture.

bowl of three bean chili with another bowl behind it

Your friends and family are going to love this easy to make and oh so delicious chili! Or if you’re like me and the only one in your household that really enjoys chili, freeze in batches to enjoy when you’re on your own.

More Chili Recipes For You to Enjoy!

Print Recipe Save

3.73 from 11 votes