Pixel Puzzle Spiced Bean Chili
A hearty vegetarian chili with a colorful mix of beans and diced vegetables, simmered with smoky spices for a comforting bowl. This latin american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, large, 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 large, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 1 large, diced carrot
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes (canned)
- 15 oz can black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 15 oz can kidney beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
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 large diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, 1 large diced carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until vegetables soften and edges begin to brown.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 28 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, 15 oz drained black beans, 15 oz drained kidney beans, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer chili for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese if preferred.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pixel Puzzle Spiced Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Pixel Puzzle Spiced 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 Pixel Puzzle Spiced 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 Pixel Puzzle Spiced 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 Pixel Puzzle Spiced 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.
