Black Bean Chili

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Black bean chili is a tasty and easy meal you can make in just 30 minutes. This recipe serves 6 people, with each serving about 1.3 cups. You’ll love how quick and simple it is to whip up this hearty dish on busy weeknights. The ingredients are budget-friendly too, costing only a few dollars for the whole pot.

The chili combines black beans, ground beef, tomatoes, and spices for a flavorful and filling meal. You can adjust the spice level to your taste by changing the amount of chili powder. Serve it with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty black bean chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 3 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups water

This recipe makes about 6 servings, with each serving being around 1.3 cups. You can easily double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers.

Remember to drain your black beans before adding them to the pot. The diced tomatoes should go in with their juices. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste!

Instructions

Start by dicing an onion and mincing garlic. Put them in a big pot with olive oil. Cook on medium heat until the onions get soft, about 2-3 minutes.

Add ground beef to the pot. Keep cooking and stirring until the beef is no longer pink, which takes 5-7 minutes.

Now, add your beans, tomatoes, paste, and spices. Pour in the water too. Stir everything well so it’s all mixed up.

Put a lid on the pot and let it start to bubble. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down a bit. Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring now and then. This helps the flavors mix and the chili get thicker.

Taste your chili. Add some salt if you think it needs it. The amount depends on how salty your canned stuff was. You might need about ½ teaspoon.

Your chili is ready! Serve it up in bowls. Add your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream if you want. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily switch up this black bean chili recipe to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand. Try swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Vegetarians can use crumbled tofu or extra beans instead of meat.

For the beans, kidney or pinto work great as alternatives to black beans. Want to go meatless and add some texture? Bulgur wheat makes a tasty substitute – just use about 1/2 cup and add a bit more broth as it cooks.

Spice it up by adding a diced jalapeño or some cayenne pepper. For a smoky twist, toss in some chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works fine too.

Here’s a quick substitution guide:

• Ground beef → Turkey, chicken, tofu, or extra beans
• Black beans → Kidney beans, pinto beans, or white beans
• Diced tomatoes → Fresh diced tomatoes + green chiles
• Chili powder → Taco seasoning (reduce salt if using this)

Feel free to get creative with toppings too! Try avocado slices, cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

To make your black bean chili even tastier, try these tips:

• Add a splash of lime juice before serving for a zesty kick.
• Top with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and add extra beans or veggies.

Got leftovers? No problem! Store your chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Want to save some for later? Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm the chili in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals and stirring between each.

Try these fun serving ideas:

• Chili mac: Mix with cooked pasta for a hearty meal.
• Chili dogs: Use as a topping for hot dogs.
• Chili nachos: Spoon over tortilla chips and add cheese.