Black Bean Chili ~
A hearty and satisfying dish ready in 30 minutes or less! Ideal for chilly nights or game day get-togethers.
Serve over rice with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips and top it off with some homemade guacamole.
Best Black Bean Chili Recipe
I like this easy black bean chili because it’s quick to throw together with pantry staples, and you just can’t beat a hot bowl of chili for warming up on a cold day! It’s also a versatile dish that works just as well for a cozy night in or a casual gathering.
For serving chili on Game Day, prep the chili in advance then transfer it to a slow cooker for a Game Day Chili Bar. Put the heat on the warm setting and let people build their own chili bowls with toppings that you’ve set out. (See the Toppings lists below for ideas!)
Ingredients for Black Bean Chili
You will need the following:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 3 (15-ounces each) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegan beef-style broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Ingredient Notes
- Diced Tomatoes For a touch of smoky flavor, try fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Crushed Tomatoes – Crushed tomatoes add rich texture to the tomato base. Don’t use tomato sauce; it’s not the same.
- Beef-style broth – I use Better Than Bouillon No-Beef Base. Vegetable broth works just as well but will have a lighter flavor and may require additional seasoning.
- Vegan Worcestershire Sauce – There are a few brands out there; I use The Wizard’s.
- Light Brown Sugar – For just a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Black Bean Chili
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect pot of black bean chili:
STEP ONE: Set a large pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the onions and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
STEP TWO: Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic flavors.
STEP THREE: Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with their liquid, crushed tomatoes, and vegan beef-style or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
STEP FOUR: Add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, bay leaf, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the chili.
STEP FIVE: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until heated through, allowing the flavors to meld together.
STEP SIX: Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Dress it Up with Toppings
Customize your bowl of chili with your favorite toppings.
- Scallions (Green Onions) – Add a fresh and mild onion flavor to balance the richness of the chili.
- Jalapeño Peppers – Spice it up with the heat of jalapeños for those who enjoy an extra kick.
- Vegan Cheese – Melted vegan cheddar cheese adds a creamy and savory layer to your bowl.
- Vegan Sour Cream – A dollop of vegan sour cream provides a cool contrast, balancing the bold flavors of the chili.
- Diced Red Onion – For a crunchy and slightly pungent bite, sprinkle diced red onion on top.
Additional Topping Suggestions
Take your black bean chili to the next level with these creative toppings:
- Guacamole or Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado adds richness and a buttery texture to every spoonful.
- Fresh Cilantro – Chopped cilantro brings a burst of freshness and a hint of citrus to complement the chili.
- Lime Wedges – Squeeze lime over your chili for a zesty and citrusy kick.
- Corn Chips or Tortilla Strips – Enjoy some crunch by topping your chili with corn chips or crispy tortilla strips.
- Pickled Jalapeños – For an extra layer of heat and tanginess, add pickled jalapeños to your bowl.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This chili keeps well for several days – great for meal prep!
More Hearty Chili Recipes You’ll Love!
- White Bean Chili
- Three Bean BBQ Chili
- Chipotle Black Bean Chili
- White Bean Quinoa Chili
- Italian Chili
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Black Bean Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 3 15-ounces each cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegan beef-style broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Set a large pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the onions and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic flavors.
- Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with their liquid, crushed tomatoes, and vegan beef-style or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, bay leaf, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the chili.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until heated through, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve hot.
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