Casual Game Day Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Chili
A hearty, smoky black bean chili perfect for game day gatherings, featuring chipotle peppers and a rich tomato base to keep the mood lively and warm. This Mexican-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs olive oil, yellow onion, red bell pepper 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 cups, drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- for serving lime wedges
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 1 diced medium red bell pepper, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until spices release aroma.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups drained and rinsed canned black beans, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, reduce heat to low, and let simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until chili thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Casual Game Day Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Casual Game Day Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Chili?
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 Casual Game Day Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Chili?
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 Casual Game Day Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Chili 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 Casual Game Day Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Chili vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
