If you are looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly, this Easy Black Bean Chili Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with rich spices, tender ground beef, and the wholesome goodness of black beans, this chili is the perfect dish for cozy nights or casual gatherings. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it also delivers vibrant colors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic that’s so simple to whip up anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Easy Black Bean Chili Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from building layers of flavor to balancing the heartiness and providing that inviting color that makes the chili so visually appealing.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing and deepens overall flavor.
- Onion: Brings natural sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Lean ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty foundation with protein and depth.
- Garlic: Infuses an aromatic warmth that complements the spices.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
- Chili powder: Delivers that signature chili heat and complexity.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness, enhancing the smoky undertones.
- Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness to elevate the dish.
- Black beans: Offer heartiness and a lovely creamy texture contrasting the meat.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Inject a smoky tomato tang and vibrant color.
- Mild green chilies: Add a mild kick with nuanced flavor without overpowering.
- Red bell pepper: Contributes sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
- Beef broth: Keeps everything juicy and ties all flavors together.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Toppings (optional): Sour cream, avocado, tortilla strips, scallions, and cheese add creaminess, freshness, and texture.
How to Make Easy Black Bean Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion in Olive Oil
Start by heating olive oil in a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven. Add your chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. This step releases the natural sweetness of the onion and creates a flavorful foundation for the chili.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the lean ground beef to the pot, cooking until it’s nicely browned. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks so you get that perfect crumbly texture throughout the chili. If you notice excess fat, you can spoon some out, but leaving a little keeps the dish moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Tomato Paste, and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic along with tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. These ingredients build the signature taste profile of our Easy Black Bean Chili Recipe, layering smoky, spicy, and savory notes that marry beautifully with the beef and beans.
Step 4: Incorporate Beans, Tomatoes, Chilies, and Peppers
Next, add the drained black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, mild green chilies, chopped red bell pepper, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those fantastic flavors before moving to the simmering stage.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
Turn up the heat so the chili comes to a gentle boil, then reduce it to low and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld and the ingredients to soften and harmonize perfectly.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, taste your chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle it into bowls, and don’t forget those delicious optional toppings that bring extra texture and creaminess to the dish.
How to Serve Easy Black Bean Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes elevate this chili from great to unforgettable. Try a dollop of sour cream or creamy slices of ripe avocado for contrast. Sprinkle on shredded Mexican cheese blend or sharp cheddar for melty goodness. A handful of fresh scallions or crunchy tortilla strips adds appealing layers of texture and freshness.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with warm cornbread or crusty bread to scoop every last bit. For a lighter balance, a crisp green salad or a serving of steamed rice works wonderfully, soaking up the rich flavors while keeping your meal satisfying yet well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun to impress family or guests, serve your chili in mini bread bowls or over baked potatoes for a comforting twist. You could also layer it into nachos with toppings to create a vibrant, shareable appetizer that highlights the chili’s bold flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chili in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious and convenient for busy days.
Freezing
This Easy Black Bean Chili Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy later without losing any of the original taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave, just be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and substitute with extra beans, lentils, or your favorite plant-based protein. Adding vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms can also boost texture and heartiness.
What can I use if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
Regular diced tomatoes work fine, but fire-roasted add a smoky depth that enhances the chili’s flavor. If you only have regular ones, you might want to add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic that smokiness.
How spicy is this Easy Black Bean Chili Recipe?
This chili is mildly spiced. The mild green chilies add gentle heat, while the chili powder gives warmth without overwhelming the palate. Adjust the amount of chili powder or add hot chili peppers if you prefer it spicier.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer will deepen flavors nicely.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely. It stores well and tastes great as leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep. Portion it into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chili that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. This Easy Black Bean Chili Recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both hearty and homey. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give this recipe a try – it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen that you’ll turn to again and again.
Print
Easy Black Bean Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Easy Black Bean Chili is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of smoky spices. Perfectly seasoned and simmered to meld all the flavors, it’s a comforting dish that’s ideal for a cozy dinner. Optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, and shredded cheese add extra richness and texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained
- 1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 (4 ounce) can mild green chilies with juices
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Tortilla strips
- Scallions
- Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot with the onions. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, spoon some out, but retaining a little adds flavor.
- Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and become fragrant.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the drained black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, mild green chilies with juices, chopped red bell pepper, and beef broth. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer the chili: Increase the heat and bring the chili to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot leaving the lid slightly ajar. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Longer simmering will enhance flavor.
- Season and serve: Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot in bowls with optional toppings such as sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla strips, scallions, and cheese as desired.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Beans can be substituted with pinto or kidney beans if preferred.
- Simmering longer (up to an hour) will deepen the flavors even more.
