Best Vegan Chili with Black Beans

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky chili packed with beans, corn, and spices—ready in under 30 minutes. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp cumin. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 14 oz diced tomatoes and 15 oz black beans (with liquid).
  3. Step 3: Stir in 15 oz kidney beans, 1 cup corn kernels, and 14 oz diced tomatoes. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Vegan Chili with Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Vegan Chili with Black Beans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Vegan Chili with Black Beans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Vegan Chili with Black Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Best Vegan Chili with Black Beans vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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