Quick Black Bean Chili Recipe – Easy Everyday Vegetarian Chili with Dark Chocolate

Difficulty:

2/5

Serves:

4 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Quick Black Bean Chili Recipe

When you need a comforting, flavor-packed meal on the table fast, this Quick Black Bean Chili delivers in every way. Featured on Everyday Excellent with Vanessa Gianfrancesco, this recipe proves that bold, slow-simmered flavor doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen. Built on pantry staples like canned black beans, tomato sauce, and warm spices, this chili comes together quickly while still tasting rich, layered, and deeply satisfying.

What sets this chili apart is a surprising ingredient: dark chocolate. Just a small amount adds depth, richness, and subtle bitterness that enhances the spices without making the dish sweet. Finished with fresh lime juice and cilantro, this vegetarian chili is hearty yet bright, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

The Inspiration

This Quick Black Bean Chili is inspired by classic chili traditions that balance spice, acidity, and richness—but with a streamlined, everyday approach. Instead of long braises or multiple protein components, this version relies on black beans and vegetables for texture and body, letting spices and smart flavor boosters do the heavy lifting.

The addition of dark chocolate is a nod to Mexican-style moles and long-simmered chilis, where cocoa is often used to deepen savory dishes. Here, it melts seamlessly into the sauce, enhancing the cumin and chili powder while giving the chili a luxurious finish. It’s comfort food made modern: simple, plant-forward, and incredibly efficient.

Ingredients

2 tbsp (29.6ml) olive oil
1 large white onion, diced
1 medium carrot, grated
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp (14.8ml) ground cumin
2 tbsp (29.6ml) chili powder
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup vegetable stock
1 oz dark chocolate, grated
Juice of ½ lime
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (29.6ml) chopped cilantro, for garnish

Methods

Place a pot over medium heat and add oil, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the carrot, cumin, and chili powder and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 3 minutes.
Add the black beans, tomato sauce, vegetable stock, and grated dark chocolate, cover with a lid, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat so as not to overboil.
Add the lime juice, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve garnished with chopped cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

This Quick Black Bean Chili is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Enjoy it on its own as a cozy bowl of chili, or pair it with warm crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips for added texture.

For toppings, consider diced avocado, dairy-free sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions, depending on your dietary preferences. It also works beautifully as a meal-prep option—this chili reheats well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Serve it for lunch, dinner, or as part of a casual gathering spread alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Black Bean Chili is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and smart techniques can create bold, satisfying flavor in minimal time. With pantry staples, warming spices, and the unexpected richness of dark chocolate, this vegetarian chili stands out as both comforting and exciting.

Ideal for fans of easy weeknight dinners, plant-based meals, and one-pot recipes, this chili checks all the boxes: fast, affordable, nourishing, and delicious. Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or just looking for a reliable, flavorful chili recipe, this Everyday Excellent favorite deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

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