Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili

Name: Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried black beans, rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped cilantro; Sliced avocado; Lime wedges; Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a non-vegan option)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love whipping up this Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili on busy days when I want a hearty yet nutritious meal. It's simple to prepare, and once you throw all the ingredients into the crockpot, my work is done! The flavors meld beautifully over time, creating a dish that's both satisfying and packed with protein. Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for everyone. I can’t wait to share how this delicious chili has become a staple at my home!

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-13T18:13:14.882Z

One of my favorite things about this Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili is how effortless it is to prepare. I can set it up in just a few minutes before heading out for the day, and when I return, my house smells absolutely amazing. The combination of spices creates a depth of flavor that truly satisfies my craving for comfort food.

I've experimented with various beans and veggies, but I find that sticking to black beans brings a heartiness that complements the dish perfectly. Remember to adjust the spices to your taste; a splash of lime juice at the end gives it a vibrant twist!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Nutritious ingredients that pack a protein punch
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better the next day
Customizable with your favorite toppings like avocado or cilantro

      

Ingredient Insights

When preparing this black bean chili, the selection of quality ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor. The dried black beans form the foundation of this dish, offering a hearty texture and rich protein content. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any extra starch, which can lead to a gummy consistency during cooking. If you're short on time, feel free to use canned black beans; just remember to adjust the cooking time and add them during the last hour to heat through without turning mushy.

The blend of spices plays a critical role in flavor development. Ground cumin and chili powder will be your best friends here; they infuse the chili with smoky, earthy tones. Smoked paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor, so don’t skip it! If you want to ramp up the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Remember, you can always adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking, ensuring the flavor is just right.

Cooking Techniques

Using a crockpot allows for a low and slow cooking method that helps the flavors meld beautifully. If you have the time, opt for the low setting for 6 hours to allow the beans to soften adequately. On the high setting, 3 hours should suffice, but check for texture, as the longer cooking time enhances the depth of flavor. A quick tip: if you notice the chili seems too thick while cooking, simply stir in a bit more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

It's essential to taste your chili before serving. After the cooking time, you might find that the spices could use a little boost. Adding fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors, making every spoonful more vibrant. If you want to add more optional ingredients, fresh corn can provide a wonderful crunch, while a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can create a creamy contrast for those who don't mind a non-vegan option.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili

Chili Ingredients

1 cup dried black beans, rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 cup vegetable broth
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

Chopped cilantro
Sliced avocado
Lime wedges
Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a non-vegan option)

Instructions to Prepare

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until well mixed.

Cook in the Crockpot

Transfer the mixture to your crockpot. Cover and set it on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Adjust Seasoning

Once cooked, taste your chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add more cumin or chili powder for extra heat.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with your choice of toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or lime wedges.

Tips for Perfect Chili

Pro Tips

For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans directly in the pot before serving. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

Storage and Reheating

One of the best features of this Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili is its superb storage capability. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more enjoyable the next day. To freeze, portion the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers, allowing for quick meals that last up to three months.

When reheating, you can do so on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it seems too thick. If you're reheating from frozen, a slow defrost in the fridge overnight will yield the best results. You can heat it directly from frozen on the stove; just allow a little extra time to warm through thoroughly.

Serving Suggestions

This chili is delicious on its own, but it’s also a fantastic base for various serving options. Try it over a bed of rice or quinoa for an added carbohydrate boost. For a heartier meal, serve it in a baked tortilla bowl or alongside cornbread to soak up the wonderful sauce. The toppings can truly elevate the dish; consider adding diced red onion or jalapeños for a fresh crunch.

For a delightful finish, a squeeze of lime juice over the top brightens the flavors and balances the spiciness. Don’t hesitate to combine several toppings, too—creamy avocado, zesty cilantro, and crunchy tortilla strips create an appealing textural contrast that makes serving this chili an exciting experience for family and friends.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use two cans of black beans. Reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low or 1-1.5 hours on high.

→ Is this chili gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

→ Can I make this chili in advance?

Yes, this chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and tastes even better the next day!

→ How can I customize the spices?

Feel free to add your favorite spices or adjust the amounts based on your heat preference. A dash of hot sauce can also add a nice kick!