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Black Bean Chili is the perfect easy, weeknight dinner idea. It’s hearty and delicious and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Delicious and Hearty. We’ve had a lot of cold and dreary days here in Portland this month and a bowl of warm chili is the perfect dinner solution. Not only is it delicious and hearty but it’s easy to put together and it’s ready in an hour.
Make Ahead. It is easy to make ahead, it can be frozen and if you are feeding a crowd the recipe is easily doubled.
Ingredients
Black Beans. I prefer black beans but this chili can also be made with other beans such as kidney or red beans. I use drained canned beans but you could also soak your own beans. You need 3 – 15 ounce cans. A total of 4 1/2 cups of beans.
Ground Turkey. You could also use ground beef or ground chicken if you prefer.
Seasoning. I used a combination of spices, including chili powder, oregano, basil, ground cumin and red pepper flakes for a little kick. Fresh onion and garlic are preferred but you could also use garlic powder and dried minced onion if necessary.
Tomatoes. Canned crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. You could also use petite diced tomatoes.
Vinegar. I love the deeper flavor balsamic vinegar gives the chili but you could also use red wine vinegar.
How to Make Black Bean Chili
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil in a large dutch oven or heavy pan.
- Add in turkey and cook until meat is cooked through.
- Stir in remaining ingredients.
- Cook over low heat, covering pot, for about one hour allowing it to simmer. This allows time for all the flavors to come together.
Things to Put On Black Bean Chili
- Grated cheese. We like to use cheddar cheese.
- Sour Cream
- Green Onion, chopped
- Black Olives, sliced
- Tortilla Chips
- Avocado, sliced
- Cilantro
- Diced jalapenos
- Lime wedges
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make black bean chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil in a pan on the stove. Add in turkey and cook until cooked through. Then add all the ingredients into the crockpot and cook for 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
What should I top my chili with?
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt are great for adding some creaminess to the chili. Grated cheese, Jalapeños, Cilantro, Green Onions, Crackers, and Tortilla Chips are also some of my favorite additions.
Pair This With:
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Black Bean Chili
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 3 15 oz. black beans drained, 4 1/2 cups
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 14.5 oz. crushed tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp oregano
- 1 Tbsp dried basil
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large heavy pan. Add onion and garlic and saute until onion is soft.
- Add in turkey and cook until meat is cooked through.
- Add in remaining ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 40-50 minutes.
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