This hearty black bean chili is packed with flavor and goodness! It’s made with tender black beans, diced tomatoes, and a mix of spices that really warm you up.
Making this chili is a breeze. Just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. I love having it with some crunchy tortilla chips—trust me, you can’t go wrong!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: These are the stars of the chili! If you’re in a pinch, you can swap them for pinto beans or kidney beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse whichever beans you choose for the best flavor.
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef, but feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using more beans or even lentils!
Diced Tomatoes: You can use fresh tomatoes if they’re in season—just chop them up and add them in! Canned tomatoes are super convenient and help the chili cook quickly, keeping it flavorful.
Chili Powder: This spice gives the chili its warm kick. If you want a different flavor, you can mix in taco seasoning or chipotle powder for some smokiness! Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
How Do You Perfectly Cook the Ground Meat?
Getting the ground meat just right is key for a hearty chili. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked meat:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the meat. High heat might cook it too quickly on the outside.
- Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking. This keeps it from clumping.
- Cook until it’s fully browned with no pink spots, about 7-8 minutes. Drain fat if there’s too much to keep the chili from being greasy.
Following these tips ensures your chili has great texture and flavor every time!
Black Bean Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Spices:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings:
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- chopped green onions
- diced avocado
- fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty black bean chili takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 30 minutes to cook. So, in about 45 minutes, you can have a hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook until it becomes soft and translucent—around 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir it in, cooking for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat:
Now, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. You want it to be browned and fully cooked, which will take about 7 to 8 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess fat, feel free to drain some off.
3. Add Vegetables and Spices:
Next, stir in the diced red bell pepper along with the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy!), and season with salt and black pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes to let the spices toast up and release their flavors.
4. Combine the Rest:
Now it’s time to add the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors!
5. Simmer:
Bring your chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the chili to thicken beautifully and the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even more spices to suit your taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the hot chili in bowls and top it with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro as desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade Black Bean Chili!
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! Canned black beans are convenient and cut down on cooking time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to your chili to reduce the sodium content and improve flavor.
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
No problem! Simply omit the ground meat and add more beans or vegetables like diced zucchini, corn, or bell peppers for texture. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I Freeze Leftover Chili?
Yes, chili freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What Should I Serve with Black Bean Chili?
This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice. A side salad or guacamole can also be great additions to your meal!
