Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili

Name: Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 onion, chopped; 2 bell peppers, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Lime wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making this Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili on busy weeknights. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that fills the house with warm, enticing aromas. As the beans simmer gently, they absorb all the vibrant spices and flavors, creating a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, this chili is incredibly versatile; I can easily adjust the spice levels to suit my family's preferences or throw in whatever veggies I have on hand. It really is a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy.

Created by

Camilla Rhodes

Last updated on 2026-01-13T21:10:17.628Z

Every time I prepare this chili, I experiment with new ingredients, and it never disappoints. The beauty of using a crockpot is that the flavors meld together over time, creating an amazing depth that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods. I often add a splash of lime juice right before serving to brighten the dish; it makes a world of difference!

This chili is not only nutritious but also incredibly budget-friendly. I often use dried beans, which are both economical and packed with protein. Plus, soaking them the night before helps in cooking them evenly, which I find works wonders for the texture.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Packed with protein and fiber from the black beans
Rich and hearty, perfect for cold nights
Simple to customize with your favorite vegetables and spices

      

Ingredient Importance

The key to a delicious black bean chili lies in the quality of your ingredients. The dried black beans should ideally be soaked for at least 8 hours or overnight; this softens them and reduces cooking time, ensuring they become tender while absorbing the spices. If you're short on time, you can opt for canned black beans, but remember to rinse them well to reduce sodium content. Using high-quality spices like freshly ground cumin and smoked paprika can significantly enhance the depth of flavor in your chili.

Each vegetable in this recipe plays a crucial role. The onions add sweetness and depth, while the bell peppers contribute a slight crunch and natural sweetness that balance the richness of the beans. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables; zucchini, corn, or even sweet potatoes can elevate the flavor profile and nutritional content. Just be mindful of cooking times, as vegetables with shorter cook times should be added later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Cooking Tips

When using a crockpot, layering your ingredients correctly can make a difference in cooking outcomes. Place the black beans on the bottom, followed by the tomatoes, onions, and peppers. This layering ensures that the heat circulates evenly, leading to perfectly cooked beans. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash a portion of the beans midway through cooking using a fork or immersion blender, then stir it back into the pot for a creamy texture without adding extra calories.

For a heat boost, consider adding diced jalapeños or chili peppers alongside the onions. Adjust according to your family’s spice tolerance—remember that flavors deepen as the chili cooks, so a moderate amount of spice during preparation usually yields the best results. If the chili turns out too spicy, a spoonful of sugar or an extra splash of lime juice can help balance the heat.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lime wedges for serving

Feel free to add any other ingredients you like, such as corn, zucchini, or carrots to enhance the flavor and nutrition!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Rinse and drain the soaked black beans. Chop the onion and bell peppers, and mince the garlic.

Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

In your crockpot, add the black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, bell peppers, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and drizzle with olive oil.

Cook the Chili

Set the crockpot to low and cook for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beans are tender.

Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy your healthy and hearty chili with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips!

Pro Tips

If you want to save even more time, consider using canned black beans instead of dried. Just reduce the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, feel free to top it off with avocado, yogurt, or your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor!

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the best aspects of this crockpot black bean chili is its make-ahead potential. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator; the flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Simply reheat on the stove or in the crockpot, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it thickens too much. It also freezes well; portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a pot over medium heat.

When storing leftover chili, leave out garnishes like lime wedges to maintain optimal freshness. It can be served with a variety of toppings, like diced avocado, cilantro, or shredded cheese, which can be added just before serving to keep the toppings fresh and vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

This black bean chili is wonderfully versatile—serve it on its own for a hearty meal or with sides like cornbread or tortilla chips for added crunch. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add creaminess, while fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you're having guests, create a chili bar with toppings such as jalapeños, cheese, corn, and fresh herbs to let everyone customize their bowls.

For a unique twist, consider incorporating the chili into other dishes. It can be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even layered in a casserole. This adaptability not only makes mealtime exciting but also ensures that any leftovers are used creatively, minimizing waste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned black beans for quicker preparation. Just add them in during the last hour of cooking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Can I add meat to this chili?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef can be added for more protein. Just brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot.

→ Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as all ingredients used are gluten-free.