Black bean chili
Warm, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, Black Bean Chili is the ultimate comfort food. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish brings a crowd-pleasing combination of smoky spices, tender beans, and a satisfying tomato base.
With a quick prep and cook time, Black Bean Chili is perfect for those seeking a wholesome, nourishing meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair it with your favorite toppings for a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Key Ingredients That Make Black Bean Chili Shine
- Olive Oil – Adds a rich base and enhances the overall flavor.
- Yellow Onion – Brings natural sweetness and depth to the chili.
- Garlic – Elevates the dish with its robust, savory aroma.
- Ground Beef – Provides heartiness and complements the spices beautifully.
- Black Beans – The star of the dish, offering creamy texture and high protein.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles – Introduces tang and a hint of heat to balance the flavors.
- Tomato Paste – Thickens the chili and enriches the tomato flavor.
- Chili Powder – Infuses the dish with a classic, smoky warmth.
- Ground Cumin – Adds earthy, nutty undertones.
- Smoked Paprika – Contributes a subtle smoky sweetness.
- Dried Oregano – Provides a delicate herbal note.
- Water – Ensures the chili simmers into a cohesive, comforting stew.
Simple Steps to a Perfect Black Bean Chili
- Begin by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant and tender.
- Add ground beef, cooking until fully browned and broken apart.
- Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings.
- Pour in water and bring everything to a gentle simmer under a lid.
- Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Adjust salt to taste and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering Black Bean Chili
For a deeper flavor, toast the spices in the olive oil before adding the onions and garlic. This unlocks their aromatic oils and enhances their profiles. If you’re craving a smoky punch, try substituting smoked sausage or adding a dash of chipotle powder.
Black Bean Chili is highly adaptable. For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and increase the beans or add lentils. You can also incorporate corn kernels or diced bell peppers for extra texture and sweetness.
Storing and Reheating Your Chili
Black Bean Chili stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the chili thickens too much.
Black Bean Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles or plain, for a milder flavor
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- 3 15 oz. cans black beans drained
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 cups water
- ½ lb. ground beef
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the onions soften.
- Incorporate the ground beef into the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue sautéing for 5–7 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned.
- Introduce the black beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and water into the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the chili to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the liquid.
- Taste the chili and adjust the salt as needed, depending on the saltiness of the canned ingredients (approximately ½ tsp additional salt may be required). Serve with your choice of toppings and enjoy.