Spicy Black Bean Chili

Featured in: Homemade Soups & Stews

This vibrant dish combines black beans, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic sautéed in olive oil. A blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and other warming spices enhance its bold, layered flavor. Simmered with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, it develops a rich, hearty texture. Optional toppings like cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges add freshness. Ideal for a cozy meal full of plant-based protein and Tex-Mex flair.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:09:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Spicy Black Bean Chili topped with creamy avocado slices.  Save
A steaming bowl of Spicy Black Bean Chili topped with creamy avocado slices. | cloverhearth.com

A hearty, flavorful chili packed with black beans, vegetables, and warming spices. Perfect for a cozy meal with a spicy kick.

I first served this chili on a chilly evening and everyone loved its spicy warmth and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

  • Beans & Legumes: 2 cans (15 oz/425 g each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced, 1 red bell pepper, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for extra heat), 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes, 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
  • Spices & Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Optional Toppings: Fresh cilantro, chopped, Sliced avocado, Lime wedges, Vegan sour cream or regular sour cream

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Step 2:
Add red bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté for another 2 3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Step 4:
Add black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
Step 5:
Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker chili, mash some beans against the side of the pot.
Step 7:
Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, or sour cream if desired.
Vibrant Spicy Black Bean Chili garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.  Save
Vibrant Spicy Black Bean Chili garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. | cloverhearth.com

My family always gathers around this chili on cold nights, sharing stories and warmth over hearty bowls.

Notes

Serve with rice, tortilla chips, or crusty bread. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Wooden spoon or spatula

Nutritional Information

Calories: 310, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 14 g per serving

Hearty Spicy Black Bean Chili simmering with colorful veggies and robust spices. Save
Hearty Spicy Black Bean Chili simmering with colorful veggies and robust spices. | cloverhearth.com

This chili is the perfect blend of spice and comfort that you can customize to your taste.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I adjust the heat level in this dish?

Yes, you can vary spiciness by including or omitting jalapeño seeds and adjusting cayenne pepper to taste.

What beans work best for this dish?

Black beans are preferred, but pinto or kidney beans are great alternatives and blend well with the spices.

How can I thicken the consistency?

Mash some of the beans against the pot side towards the end of cooking to create a thicker texture.

What sides complement this main dish?

Serve alongside rice, tortilla chips, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Is this suitable for various diets?

This dish is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber.

Spicy Black Bean Chili

Hearty black beans, vibrant veggies, and spices create a comforting and flavorful main dish.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Cook duration
40 minutes
Overall time
55 minutes
Recipe by Clover Hearth Emily Dawson


Skill level Easy

Culinary roots American, Tex-Mex

Servings made 4 Portion size

Diet preferences Plant-based, Free of dairy, No gluten

What you'll need

Beans & Legumes

01 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, diced
02 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
05 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
06 1 cup vegetable broth

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 2 tbsp chili powder
03 1 tsp ground cumin
04 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 1/2 tsp dried oregano
06 1/2 tsp ground coriander
07 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
08 1 tsp salt
09 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings

01 Fresh cilantro, chopped
02 Sliced avocado
03 Lime wedges
04 Vegan or regular sour cream

How to make it

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 02

Cook Vegetables: Add diced red bell pepper, jalapeño, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 03

Bloom Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.

Step 04

Add Beans and Liquids: Incorporate drained black beans, diced tomatoes with juice, and vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 05

Simmer: Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 06

Adjust and Mash: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For a thicker consistency, mash some beans against the pot’s side.

Step 07

Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, lime wedges, or sour cream as preferred.

Equipment needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Be sure to review every ingredient for potential allergies, and talk to a medical expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains no common allergens; verify canned ingredients for additives.

Nutrition information (each portion)

Only use this data as a helpful reference—it’s not intended to replace professional health guidance.
  • Calorie count: 310
  • Fat content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 48 grams
  • Proteins: 14 grams