Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chili with Black Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 82 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This hearty chili with black beans is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a cozy meal. Combining ground beef, aromatic vegetables, bold spices, and rich tomatoes, this chili is simmered slowly to develop deep, robust flavors. It can be customized with optional beer and sugar to balance acidity, and served with a variety of toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, and avocado for added richness.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1½ pounds ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 26-ounce boxes chopped tomatoes
  • 1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, cut into chunks
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1-2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained

Optional Ingredients

  • Sugar, to taste
  • ½ cup beer

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and cook until soft and slightly browned. Then add the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and diced celery. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and use a spatula to break it up. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
  3. Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, bay leaf, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spices release their aroma.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the chopped tomatoes, whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, and black beans. If using, add the beer at this stage. Stir everything well to combine.
  5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally and add water if the chili gets too thick. The long simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the salt and spice level as needed. If the chili tastes too acidic, add a couple teaspoons of sugar to balance the flavors.
  7. Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced red bell pepper, chopped avocado, and/or jalapeño slices as desired.

Notes

  • Simmering the chili for a long time enhances the depth of flavor.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your desired heat level.
  • If the chili becomes too thick during simmering, add water or broth to reach the desired consistency.
  • Optional beer adds richness and complexity but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Adding sugar is optional and helps balance tomato acidity if needed.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://mysimpledish.com/chili-with-black-beans-recipe/