Close-up of a delicious bowl of Black Bean Chili garnished with jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro, ready to be enjoyed.

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: a comforting, flavorful black bean chili. This recipe takes the guesswork out of cooking, delivering a rich, hearty dish with minimal effort. Perfect for busy parents and beginners, this easy black bean chili recipe is packed with simple ingredients and incredible taste, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or efficient meal prep.

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Why You’ll Love This Black Bean Chili

Our Black Bean Chili recipe quickly became a favorite for good reason. It’s designed with simplicity and flavor in mind, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience every time.

Quick & Easy: Prepare this delicious chili in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Incredibly Satisfying: Each spoonful is bursting with hearty beans, savory meat, and a rich, spiced tomato base. Discover more about the impressive nutritional contributions of black beans to a healthy diet.
Budget-Friendly: Made with accessible and affordable pantry staples, it’s kind to your wallet.
Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors and toppings to suit everyone’s preferences at your table.
Great for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for healthy lunches all week long.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this fantastic black bean chili.

Wet Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil
Aromatics: 1 yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic
Main Protein: 1/2 lb. ground beef
Canned Goods: 3 15oz. cans black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 10oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained), 1 6oz. can tomato paste
Spices: 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt
Liquid: 2 cups water

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this black bean chili to fit your taste and pantry. Feel free to make it your own!

Ground Beef Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or mild Italian sausage.
Black Bean Variations: While this is a black bean chili, you can also use a mix of kidney or pinto beans.
Tomato Options: Use regular diced tomatoes if you prefer less spice, or fire-roasted for deeper flavor.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Fresh oregano (1.5 tsp) can replace dried for a brighter taste.
Adjusting Spice Levels: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this wonderful black bean chili recipe.

Large pot or Dutch oven (at least 4-quart capacity)
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Sturdy stirring spoon or spatula

Instructions

Making this black bean chili is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Just follow these simple steps to a warm, comforting meal.

Prepare Aromatics: Begin by dicing the yellow onion into small pieces. Next, mince the garlic cloves finely. Add the olive oil to your large pot or Dutch oven and place it over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and tender, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t let the garlic burn; a light golden color is perfect for releasing its aroma.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the softened aromatics. Use your stirring spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles. For optimal flavor and texture, understanding the best techniques for browning ground beef is key. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the ground beef is fully cooked through and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pot if desired, though lean ground beef often leaves very little.
Combine Ingredients: Now, it’s time to bring your flavorful black bean chili together. Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the pot. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, including all their juices. Next, squeeze in the tomato paste. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Finally, add the 2 cups of water. Stir everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the tomato paste has dissolved into the liquid.
Simmer to Perfection: Place a lid on your pot and increase the heat slightly to bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low to maintain a steady, gentle bubble. Let the chili simmer for about 15 minutes. This crucial step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the liquid thicken slightly to that perfect chili consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Season and Serve: After simmering, remove the lid and taste the chili. Now is the time to add salt as needed. The amount of salt will depend on the sodium content of your canned goods. We typically add about ½ tsp of salt, but adjust to your preference. Your delicious, hearty black bean chili is now ready to serve hot with your favorite toppings!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These tips will help you perfect your hearty black bean chili and solve common cooking dilemmas.

For Thicker Chili: If your chili is too thin, remove the lid and simmer longer to allow more liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mash about 1/2 cup of the black beans against the side of the pot with your spoon. This naturally thickens the chili.
Flavor Boost: For a deeper flavor, lightly toast the dried spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the pot. This wakes up their aromas.
Make it Spicy: Craving more heat in your black bean chili? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a chopped jalapeño (seeds and all for maximum heat), or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during the simmering stage.
Meal Prep Tips: This black bean chili is fantastic for meal prepping. Make a large batch and divide it into individual portions for quick, healthy meals throughout the week.
Avoid Blandness: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A little extra salt, a squeeze of lime, or a touch more chili powder can make a huge difference.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Enjoy your easy black bean chili in many ways, store it properly, and even explore fun variations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your hearty black bean chili with warm, buttery cornbread for a classic pairing.
Pair it with a side of fluffy rice or a bowl of crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
Spoon this savory chili over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a filling meal.

Chili Toppings

Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts wonderfully over the hot chili.
A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, creamy contrast.
Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions provide a burst of freshness.
Diced avocado or a scoop of guacamole brings healthy fats and a smooth texture.
Crushed tortilla chips, pickled jalapeños, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce add crunch and zing.
A lime wedge squeezed over the top brightens all the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftover black bean chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: This chili freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.

Nutrition

Enjoy this satisfying black bean chili as part of a balanced diet.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 Cup)
Calories	358 kcal
Carbohydrates	46 g
Protein	22 g
Fat	11 g
Fiber	17 g
Sodium	1292 mg

FAQ

Got questions about making this delightful black bean chili? We’ve got answers!

Can I make this vegetarian/vegan? Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for more bulk.
How do I thicken chili? To thicken your chili, simply simmer it uncovered for a longer period. Alternatively, mash some of the black beans against the side of the pot; their starch will naturally thicken the mixture.
Can I use other types of beans? Yes, you can! Kidney beans or pinto beans are excellent substitutions or additions. Feel free to mix and match for a diverse bean chili.
What if my chili is too spicy? If your chili is too spicy, add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to your bowl. You can also stir in a bit of sugar or an extra can of plain diced tomatoes to mellow the heat.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté aromatics first. Then, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

There you have it: a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy black bean chili recipe perfect for any day of the week. This dish proves that delicious, hearty meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. We hope you’ll try this versatile chili soon and discover just how simple and satisfying homemade cooking can be. So go ahead, whip up this amazing black bean chili and enjoy a truly cozy, hearty meal with your loved ones!