Last Updated on December 17, 2024 by Christin Gillespie

This Black Bean & Quinoa Chili is a healthy vegan recipe to serve up a chilly day. It’s created with protein-rich black beans, nutty quinoa, canned tomatoes, and a homemade chili blend. Top it off with avocado and fresh cilantro for a hearty 30 minute meal!

During the colder months chili is always on repeat.

While there are several ways to create a good chili recipe, one my favorite ways to add some heartiness is incorporating quinoa. Not only does add some volume, but it’s also full of plant-protein.

Along with the black beans and the classic chili spices, the end result is a 10/10 delicious!

At first bite of this Black Bean & Quinoa Chili recipe it will definitely be a go-to, as it’s on the table in 30 minutes, requires one-pot, & is perfect for healthy vegan leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Vegan Chili Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This vegan chili recipe comes together in 30 minutes & requires one-pot.
• The Perfect Winter Meal: A super hearty, filling, & cozy recipe that everyone will love during the colder months. 
• Great for Meal Prep: This Black Bean & Quinoa Chili stores well in the fridge, making it a perfect healthy recipe to meal prep for vegan dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Organic Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is my go-to cooking oil, because it’s neutral in flavor & it can be used to cook at high-heat temperatures. 
• Organic Onion: A staple for any chili & any color will work!
• Organic Bell Pepper: I used red, but any color will do!
• Organic Jalapeños: If you like all things spicy, feel free to add more, but if you can’t handle the heat, swap with a green bell pepper.
• Organic Garlic: Make sure to use fresh garlic and not garlic powder. This ingredient is crucial to build flavor.
• Organic Beans: Full of healthy fats and plant-based protein. I used organic black beans, but you can certainly use organic red kidney beans or organic pinto beans
• Organic White Quinoa: To provide this chili with nutty flavor, along with protein and fiber. You can use any color that you have on hand – white, red, or multi-color quinoa all work for this recipe.
• Organic Canned Tomatoes + Organic Tomato Paste: The canned tomatoes, along with the tomato paste, adds texture and extra juiciness.
• Organic Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: Any broth truly works and even spring water, if you’re in a pinch!
• Organic Spices: Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper.
• Organic Toppings: Chilled avocado and fresh cilantro – the perfect toppings! 

How To Make

1. Sauté. In a large pot, heat the avocado oil on medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the Spices. Add in the spices and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. If the pot is drying out, add a splash of spring water, as needed.
3. Cook. Next, add the beans, quinoa, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and low-sodium vegetable broth or spring water. Bring to a light boil, string everything together. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let cook for 20 minutes covered.
4. Serve. Ladle into bowls. Serve as is or top with chilled avocado and fresh cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Making this Healthy Vegan Chili Perfectly

• Organic Beans: Black beans, red kidney beans, or pinto beans, pair deliciously with this vegan chili.
• Organic Vegetables: Use your favorite type of onion & bell pepper! 
• Heat: If you can’t handle the heat, swap the jalapeño for a green bell pepper.
• Organic Tomatoes: Diced or crushed tomatoes both work!
• Organic Toppings: Don’t forget them! Top with your favorites. I love chilled avocado and fresh cilantro!

Storing & Reheating 

As mentioned above, this Black Bean & Quinoa Chili is the perfect healthy recipe for vegan leftovers & meal prep! 

Fridge Storage. Transfer chili to an air-tight glass container & refrigerate for up to 4 days. 

Reheating. To reheat, simply transfer the chili to a large pot on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little extra water or broth as needed until warm.

More Healthy Vegan Chili Recipes You’ll Love

• Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quinoa Chili
• Hearty Black Bean Chili
• Black Bean & Quinoa Pumpkin Chili
• Classic Vegan Chili
• Vegan Butternut Squash & Black Bean Chili

Sharing Is Caring!

If you make this recipe, please leave a review & rating below! I love hearing from you and it helps others learn more about the recipe too. Lastly, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, & TikTok for even more deliciousness & wellness tips!

Xoxo.

Christin.

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