Hearty Tofu & Black Bean Chili with Smoky Paprika
A protein-packed, slow-simmered chili with crumbled tofu, black beans, and smoky spices, ideal for chilly nights. This american-inspired vegan (high-protein) ready in about 40 minutes pairs firm tofu, (15 oz) black beans, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 255 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1, diced red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup corn
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion (1 medium, diced) and red bell pepper (1, diced), and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic (2 cloves) and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in crumbled tofu (14 oz), drained black beans (1 can, 15 oz), diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz), vegetable broth (1 cup), cumin (1 tsp), chili powder (1 tsp), smoked paprika (1/2 tsp), salt (1/2 tsp), and black pepper (1/4 tsp). Bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors. Stir in corn (1/2 cup) and cook uncovered for 5 minutes more. Adjust salt if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hearty Tofu & Black Bean Chili with Smoky Paprika 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 Hearty Tofu & Black Bean Chili with Smoky Paprika?
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 firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Tofu & Black Bean Chili with Smoky Paprika?
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 Hearty Tofu & Black Bean Chili with Smoky Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Hearty Tofu & Black Bean Chili with Smoky Paprika high-protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
