Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili

Name: Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 cup vegetable broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love coming home to the aroma of a warm, comforting chili bubbling away in my crockpot. This Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili not only fills the house with a delicious scent but is also packed with nutrients and flavor. Using hearty ingredients like black beans, bell peppers, and spices, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a meal prep staple for the week ahead. Plus, the hands-off cooking method makes it incredibly easy to whip up, leaving me more time to relax and enjoy the flavors of this nutritious dish.

Created by

Autumn Pierce

Last updated on 2026-01-13T20:58:17.633Z

From the moment I discovered the magic of using a crockpot, I haven’t looked back. This Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili is one of my go-to recipes, especially when I want to indulge guilt-free. The combination of black beans and spices creates a delightful depth of flavor that warms me from the inside out. I often experiment by adding extra vegetables, making it versatile while keeping it wholesome.

What truly sets this recipe apart is my choice of spices. I find that toasting the cumin seeds before adding them enhances their flavor immensely, giving the chili an aromatic lift that's simply irresistible. I encourage you to try it out; it’s a small step that yields big results!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Healthy and hearty with a delightful spice kick
Easy preparation and hands-off cooking
Versatile recipe perfect for meal prep
Perfect for chilly days or cozy dinners

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili serves a specific purpose in contributing to the dish's overall flavor and texture. Black beans are not only protein-packed but also provide a creamy texture when cooked, which helps to create a hearty chili base. The addition of bell peppers and onions introduces a sweetness that balances the spiciness from the chili powder and smoked paprika, enhancing your overall experience with each bite.

Using canned diced tomatoes with green chilies elevates the flavor profile by adding acidity and a mild heat, which complements the earthiness of the black beans. If you prefer a milder chili, consider using plain diced tomatoes instead, but be sure to adjust the spice level accordingly to maintain that heartwarming kick.

Perfecting Your Cooking Technique

To achieve the best flavor in your chili, toasting the cumin seeds is an essential step. This simple technique releases the essential oils contained within the seeds, intensifying their aromatic and earthy flavor. Make sure to keep an eye on them while toasting, as they can quickly transition from fragrant to burnt in just a minute or so. Stir them continuously to avoid this common pitfall.

Don’t rush the cooking time—cooking on low for 8 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a complex profile. If you decide to cook on high for 4 hours, consider stirring the chili halfway through to promote even cooking. This is especially important if your crockpot runs hotter than average.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh and wholesome ingredients to make your chili:

Ingredients

2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to have these ingredients on hand for a delicious, healthy meal!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your chili:

Prepare the ingredients

Chop the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the black beans, ensuring they're ready for cooking.

Toast the spices

In a small pan, toast the cumin seeds over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. This will deepen the flavor.

Combine in the crockpot

Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, toasted cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and vegetable broth to the crockpot.

Season and cook

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Serve

Once cooked, give the chili a good stir, taste for seasoning, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or corn to customize this chili to your taste. It also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This chili is an excellent candidate for meal prep; in fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can prepare a double batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, it freezes well for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid freezer burn.

When reheating, you may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water, especially if it has thickened. Heat it in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave it until warmed through, stirring occasionally for uniform heating.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving this chili can be as versatile as the recipe itself. Top it with diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and flavor. Pair it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a nice crunch. You can even serve it over rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.

Consider experimenting with your spice levels by adding jalapeños or using a hotter chili powder if you enjoy a spicier kick. For a smokier flavor, you might try substituting some of the vegetable broth with a smoky chipotle sauce. This adds a unique depth to your chili that elevates it beyond the traditional recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried black beans. Just soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly; they will need longer to cook.

→ Is this chili spicy?

The level of spice can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder. You can also include jalapeños for an extra kick.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are vegan, making it a great choice for plant-based diets.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to three months.