Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili

Name: Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making a big batch of Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili when I want something both hearty and nourishing. There’s something incredibly satisfying about letting the slow cooker do all the work while I go about my day. The mix of black beans, vegetables, and spices creates a meal that is packed with flavor and nutrition. Plus, it’s so simple to throw together in the morning and indulge in a warm, comforting dinner later. I can’t wait for you to try this delicious dish!

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-01-13T19:58:18.204Z

When I first started making this Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili, I was amazed at how the flavors developed over such a long cook time. I typically let it simmer all day, which not only fills my house with an incredible aroma but also allows the spices to really meld into the beans and veggies. A little trick I discovered is to add fresh cilantro right before serving to elevate the flavors!

One of my favorite aspects of this chili is how versatile it is. I’ve experimented with various toppings, and while avocado and sour cream are fantastic, I’ve found that a sprinkle of lime juice can truly make a difference. It adds a bright, zesty kick that balances perfectly with the earthy beans. You’ll find that this dish is both nourishing and wholly satisfying!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full for hours
Simple ingredients come together for maximum flavor
Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner

      

The Benefits of Black Beans

Black beans are the star ingredient in this chili, providing a hearty base that's rich in protein and fiber. One cup of cooked black beans contains about 15 grams of protein and 30 grams of fiber, which can help maintain sustained energy levels throughout the day. Their creamy texture complements the other vegetables while helping to thicken the chili as it cooks. For a more bean-forward chili, consider adding an extra can of black beans or mixing in some kidney beans for variety.

In addition to their nutritional profile, black beans are incredibly versatile. They absorb flavors beautifully, making them an excellent vehicle for the spices in this recipe. When cooking, the beans soften and meld with the other ingredients, creating a luscious, comforting dish. If you're short on canned beans, you can use dried black beans instead; just be sure to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they become tender.

Spice Blends and Flavor Profiles

The chili powder, cumin, and paprika work together to build a robust flavor profile that defines this dish. Cumin offers a warm, earthy note, while chili powder adds depth and a gentle heat. Paprika, especially if you opt for smoked paprika, introduces a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall taste. Feel free to adjust these spices according to your preferences; if you enjoy a spicier chili, try adding cayenne pepper or additional chili powder to taste.

Another way to customize the flavors is by incorporating other spices or herbs. A touch of oregano or a pinch of cinnamon can bring an unexpected burst of flavor. I recommend tasting the mixture before serving—adding a squeeze of lime juice can brighten the dish, balancing the earthy notes with a refreshing zing.

Serving and Storing Your Chili

This Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili is perfect for batch cooking and can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s heated through, or heat individual portions in the microwave. If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to do so in airtight containers; it can last in the freezer for up to three months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container, as the chili will expand when frozen.

For serving, I recommend garnishing your chili with fresh cilantro and lime wedges—it adds a bright and vibrant touch that enhances the overall experience. If you're in the mood for something extra, top it with avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Pair it with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients before you get started:

Chili Ingredients

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Now that you have everything ready, let’s make this chili!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your healthy chili:

Combine Ingredients

In your crockpot, combine the black beans, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Stir well to mix.

Cook on Low

Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 8 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will be.

Final Touches

Once cooked, taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime!

Enjoy your delicious Healthy Crockpot Black Bean Chili!

Pro Tips

For extra heat, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This chili freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner on busy days.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is delicious as is, don't hesitate to get creative with the ingredients! You can easily add other vegetables such as corn or zucchini to adjust to your taste or to use up what you have on hand. For a different twist, consider turning it into a Southwest-style chili by adding diced sweet potatoes or swapping the black beans for pinto beans.

If you're looking to add some cooked meat, shredded chicken or ground turkey can be mixed in during the last hour of cooking. This will not only add protein but also create an even heartier experience. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as meat will require less time to heat through than the raw beans.

Ingredient Substitutions

This chili recipe is quite adaptable, making it easy to substitute ingredients based on your dietary preferences or pantry availability. If you're looking for a low-sodium option, choose low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes, or make your beans from scratch. For a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version, ensure that any broth or stock used is plant-based.

If you prefer a milder chili, feel free to decrease the amount of chili powder or use a low-heat variety. Alternatively, you can avoid the diced tomatoes with green chilies and instead use plain diced tomatoes, adjusting seasonings to your preferred spice level.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your chili is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of vegetable broth or water while it cooks. Simply stir it in and continue to let the cooker work its magic. On the flip side, if you encounter a watery chili, remove the lid in the last hour of cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate, which helps thicken the consistency.

Taste your chili as it cooks and feel free to adjust the seasoning as needed. After the recommended cooking time, if it feels lacking in flavor, a little extra salt or a dash of vinegar can elevate the dish remarkably, balancing the beans' richness with a touch of acidity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them before adding them to the crockpot.

→ How can I make this chili vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure any toppings you use are also vegetarian-friendly.

→ Can I add meat to this chili?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef can be added for a meatier version, just brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, and fresh lime juice are all great choices to enhance the chili.