One-Pot Spiced Black Bean and Quinoa Chili
A hearty vegan chili combining protein-rich black beans and quinoa with smoky chipotle and warming spices, all cooked in one pot. This latin american-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion, medium, diced 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
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 cup, rinsed quinoa
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped (optional for garnish) fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper, sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chipotle chili powder, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cans (15 oz each) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup rinsed quinoa, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until quinoa is tender and chili thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Serve topped with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spiced Black Bean and Quinoa Chili take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 One-Pot Spiced Black Bean and Quinoa 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 One-Pot Spiced Black Bean and Quinoa 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 One-Pot Spiced Black Bean and Quinoa 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 One-Pot Spiced Black Bean and Quinoa Chili vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
