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 (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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
