One-Pot Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Chili

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-16 · Updated 2026-05-16

A hearty, protein-packed chili with black beans, quinoa, and a blend of smoky spices, cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. This Latin American-inspired vegan recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 45 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 tbsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed black beans
• 3/4 cup, rinsed quinoa
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. 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 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 2 cans (15 oz each) drained and rinsed black beans, 3/4 cup rinsed quinoa, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
4. Step 4: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until quinoa is tender and chili thickens.
5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Step 6: Serve topped with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for a bright finish.