Stovetop Vegetarian Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky black bean chili packed with vegetables and chipotle peppers, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal. This mexican-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes turns olive oil, large, diced yellow onion, large, diced red bell pepper into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 2 diced carrots. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chili powder, and 1 tbsp ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups drained black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Serve chili garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Vegetarian Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Stovetop Vegetarian Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Vegetarian Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle?

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 Stovetop Vegetarian Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle 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 Stovetop Vegetarian Black Bean Chili with Smoky Chipotle 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.

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