Spicy Black Bean Chili

Featured in: Homemade Soups & Stews

This spicy black bean chili combines tender black beans, fresh vegetables, and a mix of vibrant spices to create a warm, comforting dish. The sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic establish a rich base while cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder add depth and heat. Simmered with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, it offers a balanced, hearty texture. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or avocado for extra freshness. Ideal for easy, flavorful meals throughout the year.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:17:00 GMT
Hearty Spicy Black Bean Chili simmering in a pot, ready to warm you up.  Save to Pinterest
Hearty Spicy Black Bean Chili simmering in a pot, ready to warm you up. | mellowspice.com

A hearty, flavorful chili packed with black beans, vegetables, and a bold kick of spices. Perfect for a warming meal any time of year.

I first served this spicy black bean chili on a chilly evening and it quickly became a family favorite thanks to its bold flavors and comforting warmth.

Ingredients

  • Beans & Legumes: 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Vegetables: 1 large onion, diced, 1 red bell pepper, diced, 1 green bell pepper, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat), 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • Liquids: 2 cups vegetable broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Spices & Seasonings: 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt or to taste, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Garnishes (optional): Chopped cilantro, Sliced green onions, Lime wedges, Diced avocado

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 4 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Stir in garlic, jalapeño, red and green bell peppers, and cook for 3 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3:
Add tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4:
Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
Step 5:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
Step 6:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7:
Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, or diced avocado as desired.
Colorful vegetables and spices create a delicious Spicy Black Bean Chili for dinner.  Save to Pinterest
Colorful vegetables and spices create a delicious Spicy Black Bean Chili for dinner. | mellowspice.com

Sharing this chili has created many cozy family moments filled with laughter and warmth around the dinner table.

Notes

Serve with rice, tortilla chips, or crusty bread. Add cooked quinoa or bulgur for extra texture and nutrition.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, Cutting board, Chefs knife, Wooden spoon or spatula, Can opener

Allergen Information

Contains no common allergens. Always check broth and canned goods labels for potential allergens or cross-contamination.

Garnished Spicy Black Bean Chili served with lime and avocado, perfect for sharing. Save to Pinterest
Garnished Spicy Black Bean Chili served with lime and avocado, perfect for sharing. | mellowspice.com

This spicy black bean chili makes a satisfying and healthy meal that your whole family will enjoy all year round.

Recipe FAQs

Can I adjust the heat level?

Yes, omit the jalapeño and reduce or skip cayenne pepper for a milder flavor.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve with rice, tortilla chips, crusty bread, or add cooked quinoa for extra texture.

How long does the chili need to simmer?

Simmer covered on low heat for about 30 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the chili.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed.

Are there common allergens in this dish?

There are no common allergens included; check canned goods and broth labels for potential traces.

Spicy Black Bean Chili

Hearty chili with black beans, vegetables, and a kick of spices delivering rich, warming flavors for any season.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Created by Hannah Clarke

Recipe Category Homemade Soups & Stews

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American, Tex-Mex

Total Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You Need

Beans & Legumes

01 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

01 1 large onion, diced
02 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
06 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
07 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen

Liquids

01 2 cups vegetable broth
02 2 tbsp tomato paste
03 2 tbsp olive oil

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tsp ground cumin
02 2 tsp chili powder
03 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
05 1 tsp dried oregano
06 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
07 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnishes (optional)

01 Chopped cilantro
02 Sliced green onions
03 Lime wedges
04 Diced avocado

How To Make

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Cook Vegetables: Add garlic, jalapeño, red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables soften.

Step 03

Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Combine Main Ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, black beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 05

Simmer Chili: Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and chili thickens.

Step 06

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot garnished with cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, or diced avocado as desired.

Tools Needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener

Allergy Details

Review all components for potential allergens and talk to your doctor with any questions.
  • Contains no common allergens; verify broth and canned product labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is for your information and isn't a substitute for health advice.
  • Total Calories: 340
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 14 g