30-Minute Three Bean Chipotle Quinoa Chili
30-Minute Three Bean Chipotle Quinoa Chili is a hearty vegan chili recipe that’s packed with quinoa, beans and chipotle flavor!
It’s been really rainy here in CA, which is very welcome after a few terribly dry years. Thanks to El Nino, we’re getting snow in the Sierras, the reservoirs are starting to fill up, and my grass is turning green again.
Rainy, cold weather makes it a lot more fun to eat chili, too, especially ones that are smoky and spicy like this 30-Minute Three Bean Chipotle Quinoa Chili!
I wanted to share a healthy recipe for the new year, and I also wanted it to be easy. If you’re like me, you’ve got a lot of catching up to do after the holidays and you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
This quinoa chili is so fast and easy, and you only have to wash one pot! The best part, however, is that this is a raid-your-pantry kind of meal, which means you probably have everything on hand so you can whip this up without even running to the store.
I always have a variety of canned beans, crushed tomatoes, chipotle peppers, spices, and grains in my pantry so I can always throw something together in emergencies.
This vegan chili recipe is so simple to make, but it’s hearty with plenty of beans and quinoa, and the chipotle peppers make this so smoky with a nice, spicy kick.
I can’t make things too spicy around here because of my husband and kids, so my recipe calls for only (2) chopped chipotle peppers. It turns out that two chipotle peppers still made this spicy enough to make my husband break out into a bit of a sweat.
This was after I swore that it wasn’t spicy, because to me, it was mild. I guess I have no gauge for that, and I’ve lost some credibility in that department. Since “chipotle” is in the title, I did feel it was important to taste it.
That would be false advertising, wouldn’t it? 😉
This 30-Minute Three Bean Chipotle Quinoa Chili is your one pot, raid-the-pantry meal that’s quick, easy, and satisfying. And it may even make smoke come out of your ears depending on whether you can take the heat! Check with those you love and adjust accordingly to make eating this chili an enjoyable thing for everyone involved. 🙂
More chili recipes you’ll love:
Cincinnati chili recipe by Culinary Hill
30-Minute Three Bean Chipotle Quinoa Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped*
- 28 ounces fire roasted crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa rinsed
- 15 ounces kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 ounces cannelini beans rinsed and drained
- 15 ounces black beans rinsed and drained
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute 5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and spices and saute 30 seconds.
- Add the chipotle peppers, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water, and bring to a boil. Add the quinoa and cook about 11 minutes or until bloomed. Add the beans, salt and pepper, to taste, and simmer 5-10 minutes more.
- Serve with toppings such as sour cream, sliced avocado, cilantro, or cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- *Depending on your level of spiciness, you may want to add only one chipotle pepper. If you like it hot, add more!
- Any of your favorite beans may be substituted in this recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
56 Comments on “30-Minute Three Bean Chipotle Quinoa Chili”
Easy AND healthy always sound good to me! I love how you added quinoa to this chili, such a good-for-you twist!
Thanks, Nora! The quinoa made it extra satisfying!
That’s good to hear that you’re finally getting some rain, Marcie! This looks like the perfect comfort food dish for that kind of weather. I love that you used quinoa in here! Sounds delicious!
Yes to the rain — brown grass is just depressing! Thanks, Gayle! 🙂
You are SO putting me in a chili mood right now! I looooove quinoa chili so much and still have yet to make it this year! This chipotle version sounds just perfect for game-day!
This was the first pot of quinoa chili I’ve made in a while and it really hit the spot! Thanks, Sarah!
This chili looks amazing!! I love that it comes together so quickly! Healthy, easy meals are the best!
Thanks, Annie, and yes they are! 🙂
Hi Marcie! I love this idea to post 30 min meals every Thursday. During the week I don’t want to spend longer than 30 minutes on ANY meal.
This chili looks just fabulous. It looks really meaty actually … without any meat in sight!
Isn’t it the truth? Sometimes I make dinner by noon for my photos, but when I don’t, I want it done fast! haha Thanks, Helen!
Glad you are getting some rain, Marcie!! Yay to green grass and filling water reserves, because I KNOW you guys need it! It has just been COOOOLD here, so this chili it totally calling my name! Love that you packed this with lots of beans, spice and quinoa! This is totally my type of chili! Hand me a vat and a serving sized spoon and get outta my way! 😉 Pinned! Cheers, lovely!
It’s been a bit depressing living here the past couple of years, so the rain is very welcome. A vat and a serving spoon are coming your way…thanks, Cheyanne!
Yum! Love all the rich and smoky flavors here- amazing how you develop all that in such a short time 🙂
Thank you, Medha!
So glad you are getting some rain and it’s helping your grass turn green. This chili sounds perfect now that the weather has cooled down. It looks incredible….so hearty and flavorful! Yay for 30 minutes and I love the chipotle peppers and that you added quinoa!
Thanks, Kelly! 🙂
I’m training my kids to like “spicy”. Sometimes it’s not so successful, but what’s life without a bit of heat, right?! This chili looks delish!
My kids can take spicy ok, but the chipotles are a little more than they can handle! haha I’m with you, Brielle — life is better with some heat!
This chili is packed with so many delicious things!! It has been raining all day today and I could really use a big bowl of chili for dinner! And I love that it is vegetarian 🙂
Thanks, Izzy!
Oh your poor hubby. I guess he can go stand out in the rain to cool off. Ha ha ha! I like everything spicy, so I’ll definitely be adding in those chipotle peppers!
True that! Standing in the rain would help a lot. 🙂 I have to admit, anymore chipotles and smoke may’ve been coming out of MY ears!
I love how easy and healthy this is – perfect for January! Especially since it’s tough getting back into things after holidays. I’ve never had quinoa in chili before but it sounds fantastic, I can’t wait to try this!
Thanks, Stacy!
Thank you, Megha!
My husband asked me the other day if we could make some chili with quinoa in it (I still can’t believe he asked that too!). I’m definitely adding this to the dinner menu for next week, this looks wonderful!
Wow — I’m impressed that your husband asked for quinoa chili! haha Thanks, Danielle, and have a nice weekend!
I love 30 minute meals! Perfect for a weekday! I need to try chili with quinoa in it, because it sounds FANTASTIC!
Thank you, Cathleen — I hope you do!
I’m loving the rain we are having, except when it means rainy day recess. Keeping the kids indoors all day is no fun for anyone!
I’d love to sit down to a bowl of this chili on a rainy day! It has so many of my favorite flavors and ingredients!
I can’t imagine being a teacher and having the kids indoors during recess! Thanks, Kristine, and have a great weekend!
I’ve been so into chilis this year! Not that I don’t enjoy them regularly, but I’ve been craving them big time this fall/winter. The fact that this one is quick and has quinoa is calling to me – I need to make this one soon!
Thanks, Alyssa! Chili is where it’s at!
I can’t wait to try this chili! Perfect for the cold weather around here! Easy ad healthy, love it!
Thanks, Mira!
Yum! I agree, chili is perfect for this weather we’ve been having. I’m obsessed with chipotle peppers too. I don’t think I can make chili without them ever again! I love that this is made in just 30 minutes too. I’ll be pinning it for a busy weeknight! 🙂
I may not be adding them again because the chipotles were a wee bit much for the others in my family. I guess I’ll just be stirring mine in! haha Thanks, Sarah!
El Nino is crazy right now!! I just got back to Seattle, coming from San Diego, and it was SO odd to be leaving a total downpour and come back to beautiful blue skies (though I’m sure it won’t last – this is Seattle after all!), haha. This weather is perfect for these super chilly days and though I may need to adjust the heat – I’m a total wimp when it comes to spice like your hubby – I’m totally trying this!
It really is crazy, but at least you’ve got great weather at home (for now)! Thanks, Rachel!
I feel like all I’m doing this last week is playing catch up with everything! haha life and work-wise! This is sooo my kind of chili! It looks fantastic Marcie! Happy weekend!
Thanks, Ashley, and Happy Weekend to you, too! 🙂
I love my quinoa and I love my chili! So you have hit the ball out of the park with this one! Delicious!
You’re too sweet — thank you, Annie! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend. 🙂
I love one-dish recipes, and the fact that I can make it out of pantry ingredients makes it a sure winner! I love to be able to throw a meal together on those days when my fridge is empty and I don’t feel like going to a grocery store. Plus this chili is healthy – awesome recipe!
Thank you, Melanie! This is definitely perfect for those busy weeknights!
Thank you, Amy!
The rain is so strange, but I’m definitely digging it!! You’re right— it’s perfect weather for soups, stews and chilis! This one looks delish– chili is hubby’s fave, so I’m always looking for new recipes. 🙂
I’m loving the rain — the brown grass has been depressing! haha Thanks, Jess!
I love quinoa in soup….I just made something similar! Love the chipotle in this recipe!
I almost don’t want to make soup or chili without quinoa anymore! 🙂
I love the addition of quinoa in this chili! We need this for our cold winter! Gorgeous pictures too!
Thanks so much, Deb!
I made this for dinner last night, Marcie! It was absolutely delicious and I followed your recipe to a T. The husband loved it and we had plenty of leftovers for lunch too. I’m definitely adding it to the weekly dinner rotation 🙂
Thank you so much for the awesome feedback, Danielle — you just made my night! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! ?
Hello,this recipe has become a favorite with my kids.
Have you tried freezing it?
Thinking ahead for when kids go back to school and I to work!
Thank you for all the great recipes.
Christina
Hi Christina! I’m so glad that your kids love this recipe! While I haven’t tried freezing this particular recipe, chili is definitely freezer friendly. I’m sure that you can freeze this with great results for up to 3 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge.