Johnson's Black Bean Chili
A protein-packed, slow-simmered chili with smoky chipotle and tender black beans, served with a dollop of sour cream. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, (15 oz each), drained black beans, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cans (15 oz each), drained black beans
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium, finely chopped diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 2, minced chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1.5 tsp cumin
- 1 can (4 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking into small crumbles. Add 1 cup finely chopped onions and 1 cup diced bell peppers, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 cans drained black beans, 14 oz diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, 1.5 tsp cumin, and 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo. Add 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot with 1/2 cup sour cream dolloped on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Black Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Johnson's 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 ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's 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 Johnson's 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.
What goes well with Johnson's Black Bean Chili?
American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
