Lazy Man's 3 bean chili - Viewer's Recipe

Lazy Man's 3 bean chili - Viewer's Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Jack Show on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 19 min | Total: 39 min

Cost: $29.18 total, $4.86 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, broken up while cooking)
  • 1 can Kidney Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can Pinto Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can Black Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
  • 2 jar Chunky Salsa (16 oz each, store‑bought)
  • 2 packet McCormick Original Chili Seasoning (Approximately 1.5 oz per packet)
  • 1 cup Water (Adjust for desired consistency)
  • 2 tbsp Louisiana Hot Sauce (Add more for extra heat)
  • 1 medium Onion (Diced, used as garnish)
  • 1 cup Shredded Mixed Cheese (Cheddar blend, for topping and melting)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef

    Heat the large stockpot over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: medium-high

  2. Add the beans

    Add the drained black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans to the pot. Stir to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add salsa and water

    Stir in the two jars of chunky salsa and one cup of water. Mix until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add chili seasoning

    Sprinkle the two packets of chili seasoning over the mixture and stir well.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Simmer the chili

    Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: low

  6. Add hot sauce and onions

    Stir in the Louisiana hot sauce and the diced onion. Mix thoroughly.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Add cheese and melt

    Sprinkle the shredded mixed cheese over the top, cover the pot, and let it melt for about 2 minutes. Stir gently if you prefer the cheese fully incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: low

  8. Serve

    Ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, High protein, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Milk, Beef

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Lazy Man's 3 bean chili - Viewer's Recipe

Recipe by Cooking With Jack Show

A quick, hearty, and cheesy three‑bean chili packed with ground beef, canned beans, chunky salsa, and a touch of hot sauce. Perfect for a lazy weeknight dinner, this recipe comes together in under 40 minutes and delivers bold Tex‑Mex flavors with minimal effort.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
10m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$29.18
Total cost
$4.86
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown the ground beef to develop flavor
  • Simmer the chili for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors
  • Add cheese and allow it to melt for a creamy finish

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot pot and boiling liquid with care to avoid burns
  • Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C)
  • Use caution when adding hot sauce if you are sensitive to spice

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Lazy Man's Three Bean Chili in American comfort food cuisine?

A

Three‑bean chili is a staple of American Tex‑Mex and comfort‑food traditions, often served at backyard gatherings, game‑day parties, and family dinners. Its simplicity—using pantry‑ready beans, ground beef, and a packet seasoning—makes it a go‑to lazy‑day meal that embodies the hearty, no‑fuss spirit of American home cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of three‑bean chili in the United States?

A

In the Southwest, chili may feature fire‑roasted tomatoes and chipotle for smoky heat. In the Midwest, a milder version with more tomato sauce and a dash of Worcestershire sauce is common. Some Southern versions swap ground beef for pork or add okra for texture. The Lazy Man's version keeps it simple with three canned beans and a store‑bought seasoning.

cultural
Q

How is Lazy Man's Three Bean Chili traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically ladled into bowls and topped with shredded cheese, diced onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Many families serve it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over steamed rice, making it a flexible centerpiece for casual meals.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Lazy Man's Three Bean Chili traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

The dish is popular for game‑day parties, backyard barbecues, potlucks, and quick weeknight dinners. Its easy preparation and crowd‑pleasing flavor make it a favorite for informal gatherings and comfort‑food cravings.

cultural
Q

What makes Lazy Man's Three Bean Chili special or unique in American chili cuisine?

A

Its simplicity and speed set it apart—using three canned beans, a pre‑made salsa, and a packet seasoning, the chili comes together in under 40 minutes. The addition of shredded cheese at the end creates a creamy, indulgent finish that many richer, slow‑cooked chilis lack.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lazy Man's Three Bean Chili?

A

Common errors include not browning the ground beef fully, which reduces flavor; over‑cooking the beans, making them mushy; and adding too much water, resulting in a thin broth. Follow the browning step, keep the simmer short, and adjust liquid gradually.

technical
Q

Why does this Lazy Man's Three Bean Chili recipe use canned beans and salsa instead of fresh ingredients?

A

Canned beans and store‑bought salsa dramatically cut prep time while still delivering authentic flavor. The recipe is designed for convenience, allowing home cooks to create a satisfying chili without chopping multiple vegetables or soaking dried beans.

technical
Q

Can I make Lazy Man's Three Bean Chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili improves after a few hours in the refrigerator. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months and reheat gently on the stove.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Lazy Man's Three Bean Chili?

A

The chili should have a thick but slightly soupy consistency, with visible beans and browned meat. The cheese on top should be melted and slightly stringy, and the color should be a deep reddish‑brown from the salsa and seasoning.

technical
Q

How do I know when Lazy Man's Three Bean Chili is done cooking?

A

The chili is done when the meat is fully browned, the beans are heated through, and the flavors have melded after a 10‑minute simmer. A quick taste should reveal a balanced heat from the hot sauce and seasoning, and the cheese should be melted.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Jack Show specialize in?

A

Cooking With Jack Show focuses on quick, approachable comfort‑food recipes, often featuring bold flavors, pantry staples, and step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks who want tasty meals without complicated techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Jack Show's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Jack emphasizes ultra‑simple ingredient lists, using pre‑made seasonings and canned goods to keep prep time under 15 minutes. His style is energetic, with a focus on “lazy” recipes that still deliver big flavor, contrasting with channels that prioritize gourmet techniques or extensive ingredient sourcing.

channel

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