Southwest Black Bean Chili
A hearty and flavorful Southwest black bean chili featuring chorizo, beans, and green chilies, perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. chorizo sausage ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can ready-to-serve beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (15.5 oz.) can pinto beans ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 3 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove casing from sausage and discard.
- Crumble sausage.
- Cook sausage and onion in a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium-high heat for 5 to 8 minutes until onion is crisp-tender.
- Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until thoroughly heated and flavors are blended, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute chorizo with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms for added texture. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, and consider adding corn for sweetness. Fresh cilantro can enhance the flavor. If you have leftover beans, they can be used in recipes like Pinto Bean And Rice Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or shredded cheese. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a light salad or browse more Mexican recipes for additional side options.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Black Bean Chili contains roughly 1656 calories, with 82g protein, 288g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (368% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (288% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2656mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes, this chili actually tastes better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Southwest Black Bean Chili?
Absolutely! Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What toppings work well with this chili?
Popular toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, jalapeños, or fresh lime juice. You can also add crushed tortilla chips for crunch or serve it with a side of Tacos Sealed With Refried Beans for a fun twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).