Spiced Vegan Tex-Mex Black Bean Chili
A hearty, plant-based chili featuring black beans simmered with smoky spices and a touch of heat, perfect for a cozy meal. This american-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 45 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 220 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, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped, 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, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp chili powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cans (15 oz each) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Bring the chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Serve hot garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Vegan Tex-Mex Black Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Spiced Vegan Tex-Mex 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Vegan Tex-Mex 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 Spiced Vegan Tex-Mex 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.
Is Spiced Vegan Tex-Mex Black Bean Chili vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
