Description
Warm, bold, and packed with nutrition, this Easy Black Bean Chili is the perfect quick dinner idea or healthy lunch prep. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a one-pot plant-based meal bursting with black beans, vibrant vegetables, and smoky spices. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, healthy snack, or meal prep recipe, this vegan chili hits the spot. It’s naturally low fat, gluten-free, and a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser that stores beautifully for busy weeks. If you’re on the hunt for easy recipes, food ideas, or comforting dinner ideas, this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil (or water for oil-free)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Add chopped carrots and bell peppers to the pot. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Pour in the black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), and vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and carrots are tender.
5. Remove the lid and stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve hot with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like avocado or tortilla chips.
Notes
For deeper flavor, sauté the onions until golden before adding other ingredients.
This chili thickens as it cools, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg