Guide · Oct 13, 2026
Vegan Black Bean Chili
A thick one-pot black bean chili with peppers, corn and smoky spices, made mostly from pantry staples.
Last updated
Short answer: Three cans of black beans, crushed tomatoes and a good spoonful of chili powder make a hearty chili in under an hour. Mash some of the beans at the end for a thicker texture.
Chili tastes even better the next day, so it's a good one to cook on Sunday for the week. Find more in our dinner recipes.
Swaps and substitutions
- Use pinto or kidney beans for one of the cans of black beans.
- Add 1 diced sweet potato with the peppers for a heartier pot.
Vegan Black Bean Chili
Black beans, bell peppers and corn simmered in a smoky tomato sauce with chili powder, cumin and oregano.
Developed by the ElectricDiet team
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Makes
- 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, 1 red and 1 green, diced
- 4 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 can black beans, 15 oz each, drained and rinsed
- 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 oz
- 1½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 avocado, sliced, for serving
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, until soft.
- Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano and stir for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the black beans, crushed tomatoes, broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Stir in the corn and simmer for 5 minutes more. Mash about a cup of the beans against the side of the pot for a thicker chili.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve topped with avocado, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Food safety and storage
- Cool within 2 hours. Chili keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days or the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make vegan chili thicker?
Simmer it uncovered for longer, or mash some of the beans into the sauce.
Can I make black bean chili in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the onion, peppers, garlic and spices first, then add everything except the corn and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in the corn for the last 15 minutes.
How long does chili keep?
Up to 4 days in the fridge and about 3 months in the freezer.