If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together fast, this Black Bean Chili is the perfect solution. Packed with pantry staples, bold spices, and rich tomato flavor, it delivers big taste with minimal effort — ideal for busy parents, beginner cooks, or anyone who wants dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. This recipe proves that chili doesn’t need to simmer all day to be satisfying. With its budget-friendly ingredients and customizable toppings, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Table of Contents
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: Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for hectic evenings.
- Hearty & Flavor-Packed: Black beans, beef, aromatics, and spices create a deeply satisfying bowl.
- Affordable Ingredients: Uses simple pantry items without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: Adjust spice, toppings, and proteins to match your preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Discover more about the impressive nutritional contributions of black beans to a healthy diet.
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, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Main Protein:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
Canned Goods:
- 3 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
- 1 (6 oz) 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 (adjust to taste)
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!
- Protein: Swap beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumble.
- Beans: Add kidney beans or pinto beans for variety.
- Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor.
- Heat Level: Add jalapeño, cayenne, or hot sauce for spice.
- Herbs: Replace dried oregano with 1.5 tsp fresh oregano.
Equipment
- 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.
1. Prepare Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
2. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef directly into the pot. Break it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Combine Main Ingredients
Add the rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and 2 cups of water. Stir well until the tomato paste dissolves into the mixture.
4. Simmer
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let it cook for 15 minutes so the flavors can meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Season & Serve
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with extra salt if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Understanding the best techniques for browning ground beef is key.
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, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
- With warm cornbread
- Over rice or baked potatoes
- With tortilla chips for dipping
Favorite Chili Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Cilantro
- Green onions
- Avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Pickled jalapeños
- Lime wedges
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave; add water if 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.
Conclusion
This easy Black Bean Chili is proof that a wholesome, comforting meal doesn’t need to take hours or require complicated steps. With simple ingredients, bold spices, and a short simmer time, it delivers incredible flavor in every bowl. Whether you serve it for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or weekly meal prep, this chili never disappoints and it reheats beautifully.
We hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you. If you try it, please leave a comment and a star rating below — your feedback helps others discover the recipe, too! Don’t forget to share your bowl on Pinterest or Facebook.
What toppings will you add to your chili? Tell us in the comments!
Hearty & Easy Black Bean Chili Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
Main Protein:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
Canned Goods:
- 3 15 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
- 1 6 oz 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 adjust to taste
Liquid:
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Instructions
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté them in a large pot with olive oil until softened for 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook thoroughly for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and water.
- Cover the chili, bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors blend and the liquid slightly thickens.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
