This Black Bean Chili is warm and hearty, packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. It’s made with black beans, tomatoes, and spices, making it a tasty dish that’s easy to whip up.
You can enjoy it with some bread or over rice—yum! I love how it warms you up on chilly days. Plus, it’s quick enough to make for a weeknight dinner. Perfect, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing because it adds flavor and a bit of healthy fat. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil or canola oil work well too.
Ground Beef: Traditional for chili, but you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try adding mushrooms or lentils for protein!
Black Beans: These are the star of the dish! If you’re out of black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans can substitute nicely — all will provide that hearty feel.
Broth: Use beef broth for a richer flavor, but vegetable broth works for a lighter, vegetarian chili. Water is fine in a pinch, just a bit less flavorful.
Spices: Chili powder really packs in the flavor! Feel free to adjust the heat with the cayenne pepper, or try adding some cumin for extra warmth.
How Do I Make Sure My Chili Is Well-Seasoned?
Getting the flavors just right is key. Start by sautéing your onions and garlic until they are cooked through—this builds a flavor base for your chili.
- Toast the spices with the meat for at least a minute, letting them release their flavor.
- As the chili simmers, taste it. If it lacks flavor, a dash more salt, pepper, or even a spoonful of sugar can balance things out.
- Looking for more kick? Add a bit more chili powder or a splash of hot sauce to boost the heat!
Letting the chili simmer also deepens the flavors, so don’t rush this step.
Black Bean Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 to 2 cups beef broth or water (adjust for desired thickness)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Black Bean Chili will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal that you can have ready in around 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring until it’s fragrant.
2. Cook the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. You want to cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, which takes about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat after cooking, carefully drain it off.
3. Add the Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you want some heat), salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to allow the spices to toast and release their flavors.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and 1 cup of beef broth to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine. You can add more broth or water later if you want your chili to be thinner.
5. Let it Simmer:
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. If the chili seems too thick, add a little more broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Final Taste Check:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust any seasonings as you see fit. Sometimes a little extra salt or cayenne does the trick!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When your chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Top it off with your choice of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.
Enjoy your warm and hearty Black Bean Chili!
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! Canned black beans are perfect for this recipe—just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the chili. It saves time and still provides great flavor!
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
It’s easy to adapt! Simply omit the ground beef and use an extra can of black beans or add lentils instead. You can also include diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for extra nutrition.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. You can also toss in some diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra texture and spice.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in suitable containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
