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3 Ingredient Chili (Or Salsa)

Our friend's mom made this for us at a Halloween party back when we used to be vegetarians. Serve it hot as a chili and garnish with cheese, diced onions, sour cream, etc. with tortilla chips, or serve cold as a quick salsa. So easy and tasty, too.

5.0 · 1 reviewsRecipe card by carolinajen4Editorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 15, 2026
Black BeansCornBeansVegetableVeganLow Cholesterol
3 Ingredient Chili (Or Salsa)

Total time

10 min

Servings

4

Calories

237.4

Category

Sauces

This 3-Ingredient Chili is a lightning-fast pantry staple that transforms canned rotel, black beans, and sweet corn into a vibrant, chunky dip or hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, it delivers a punch of zesty flavor in just ten minutes.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

  • 2 Rotel tomatoes & chilies
  • 1 black beans
  • 1 corn
  • tortilla chips

Method

  1. Place all ingredients into pan and heat through.

  2. Add any toppings you may want like cheese, onion, sour cream, whatever.

  3. Serve with tortilla chips.

Cook's notes

  • Drain the black beans and corn thoroughly before adding them to the pan to ensure your chili has a thick, dip-like consistency rather than a soupy one.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet to heat the ingredients; the residual heat helps keep the dish warm while serving directly from the pan.
  • For a deeper flavor profile, let the mixture simmer for an extra three minutes to allow the spices in the canned tomatoes to permeate the beans.
  • Crush a handful of tortilla chips directly into the pot just before serving to add a salty, textural crunch throughout the dish.

Easy swaps

  • Instead of Black beans, use Pinto beansPinto beans offer a creamier texture that blends seamlessly with the corn.
  • Instead of Rotel tomatoes & chilies, use Fire-roasted diced tomatoesUse this if you prefer a smoky flavor profile without the extra heat from the chilis.
  • Instead of Corn, use Diced bell peppersSautéing bell peppers adds a fresh, crisp bite that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Instead of Tortilla chips, use Warm flour tortillasTurn this chili into a burrito filling by wrapping it in a soft, toasted tortilla.

Frequently asked

Do I need to add extra oil or water to the pan?

No, the liquid naturally present in the canned Rotel provides enough moisture to heat the beans and corn without burning.

Can I serve this cold like a salsa?

Absolutely. You can skip the heating step entirely and combine the drained ingredients for a refreshing chunky salsa dip.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on your choice of Rotel; use 'Mild' for a subtle kick or 'Hot' if you prefer a significant spicy punch.

How can I make this dish more filling?

Stir in a cup of pre-cooked quinoa or brown rice to transform this dip into a more substantial grain-based bowl.

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