Spicy Black Bean Chili

Featured in: Homemade Soups & Stews

This dish brings together black beans with vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and onion, simmered in a spice blend including chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. The gentle heat from jalapeño and cayenne adds a kick, balanced by savory herbs and a rich vegetable broth. Ideal for a satisfying, plant-based main course, it's easy to prepare and perfect for serving with toppings such as avocado, cilantro, or cheese alternatives.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:15:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Spicy Black Bean Chili garnished with fresh avocado slices.  Save to Pinterest
A steaming bowl of Spicy Black Bean Chili garnished with fresh avocado slices. | honeyprairie.com

A hearty, warming chili packed with black beans, vegetables, and bold spices. Perfect for a comforting meal with a kick of heat.

This chili is one of my go to meals when I want something both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • Beans & Legumes: 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans drained and rinsed
  • Vegetables: 1 large onion finely chopped, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 green bell pepper diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • Spices & Seasonings: 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt or to taste, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Liquids: 2 cups vegetable broth
  • Oils: 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional Toppings: Sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, sour cream or vegan alternative, shredded cheese or vegan cheese

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened
Step 2:
Add garlic jalapeño red and green bell peppers Cook for another 4 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften
Step 3:
Stir in chili powder cumin smoked paprika cayenne oregano salt and black pepper Cook for 1 minute until fragrant
Step 4:
Add black beans and diced tomatoes (with juices) Stir to combine
Step 5:
Pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer
Step 6:
Reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 25 30 minutes stirring occasionally
Step 7:
Taste and adjust seasonings as desired
Step 8:
Serve hot with your choice of toppings
Rich and flavorful Spicy Black Bean Chili simmering in a pot, ready to serve.  Save to Pinterest
Rich and flavorful Spicy Black Bean Chili simmering in a pot, ready to serve. | honeyprairie.com

My family loves gathering around this chili on cold evenings sharing stories and warm bowls of comfort.

Notes

Serve with rice tortilla chips or cornbread Pairs well with a hoppy IPA or a bold red wine

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon Can opener

Nutritional Information

Calories 320 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 14 g

Hearty Spicy Black Bean Chili, perfect for cozy meals on chilly evenings. Save to Pinterest
Hearty Spicy Black Bean Chili, perfect for cozy meals on chilly evenings. | honeyprairie.com

This chili is a flavorful and versatile dish that's sure to become a favorite.

Questions & Answers

What ingredients add heat to this dish?

Jalapeño and cayenne pepper provide the spicy kick, with adjustable amounts to suit your preference.

Can other beans be used instead of black beans?

Yes, kidney or pinto beans make excellent substitutions, offering different textures and flavors.

What cooking tools are necessary?

A large pot or Dutch oven, a sharp chef's knife, cutting board, wooden spoon, and can opener are needed.

How long does the cooking process take?

After prep, simmering for 25–30 minutes allows flavors to meld, totaling about 55 minutes cooking time.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve with rice, tortilla chips, cornbread, or garnished with avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or cheese alternatives.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels if adding processed toppings.

Spicy Black Bean Chili

A hearty chili combining black beans, vegetables, and bold spices for a comforting meal.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Cook duration
40 minutes
Overall time needed
55 minutes
Recipe by Honey Prairie Abigail Greene


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine type American, Tex-Mex

Makes 4 Number of portions

Diet specifications Plant-based, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Beans & Legumes

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

Vegetables

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

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp chili powder
02 1 tsp ground cumin
03 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
05 1/2 tsp dried oregano
06 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
07 1/4 tsp black pepper

Liquids

01 2 cups vegetable broth

Oils

01 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings

01 Sliced avocado
02 Chopped cilantro
03 Sour cream or vegan alternative
04 Shredded cheese or vegan cheese

How to Make It

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add vegetables: Incorporate garlic, jalapeño, red and green bell peppers. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables soften.

Step 03

Toast spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Combine beans and tomatoes: Add black beans and diced tomatoes including juices. Stir to blend ingredients evenly.

Step 05

Add broth and simmer: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 06

Cook covered: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 07

Season to taste: Taste chili and adjust seasoning as preferred.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle hot chili into bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or cheese.

Essential tools

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

Allergy Details

Go through all ingredients to spot potential allergies. If unsure, check with a health expert.
  • No major allergens present; check labels on processed toppings if gluten-sensitive.
  • Dairy present if using cheese or sour cream toppings.

Nutrition details (per portion)

Details for informational use only — not a substitute for a medical professional.
  • Energy (calories): 320
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 14 g