Description
This easy black bean chili is a cozy, hearty one-pot wonder perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With smoky spices, canned black beans, and a hit of lime juice, it’s the ultimate quick dinner idea that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you need a healthy snack, meatless lunch, or easy dinner recipe, this chili checks every box. It’s rich, satisfying, and happens to be vegan and gluten-free too.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cans black beans (15 oz each), undrained
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar, avocado, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
4. Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Then add the black beans with their liquid and the vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Mash some of the beans with a spoon or potato masher to thicken the chili.
7. Turn off heat, stir in lime juice, and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt if needed.
8. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Notes
Use the liquid from the canned beans to help thicken and enrich the chili naturally.
Mashing some of the beans gives a creamy texture without adding cream or dairy.
Don’t skip the lime juice—it wakes up the flavors and balances the richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy dinner, quick chili, vegetarian chili, black bean chili, healthy comfort food