Description
Looking for a satisfying, healthy, and easy dinner idea? This Easy Black Bean Chili is a plant-powered, flavor-packed meal that comes together in one pot. Filled with hearty black beans, tender chunks of butternut squash, and bold spices, it’s the perfect cozy dinner for any night of the week. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just craving a meatless option, this recipe hits all the marks—high fiber, comforting warmth, and crowd-pleasing taste. Great for meal prep, easy weeknight dinners, or freezer-friendly batch cooking. This dish easily fits into categories like healthy snacks, easy recipes, and dinner ideas for busy people.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper, cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, squash, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir well.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until squash is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust thickness with more broth if needed.
8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like avocado, lime, or cilantro.
Notes
Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
To bulk it up, serve over rice or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg