6-Ingredient Black Bean Chili with Peanut Butter (High-Protein)

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This creamy flavorful 6-ingredient Black Bean Chili with Peanut Butter is a game-changer for quick, healthy dinners. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, heart-healthy fats, and iron, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Serve it with my Best Vegan Sour Cream and crispy baked Plantain Fritters for a satisfying vegan or vegetarian meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners! (Nut-Free Option)

Vegan chili with peanut butter topped with coconut yogurt and served with plantain fritters.

Boost the flavor and creaminess of your chili by adding almond butter, peanut butter, or any nut butter. This simple trick not only makes your chili rich and hearty but also adds extra protein and healthy fats.

For even more flavor, swap canned diced tomatoes for fire-roasted tomatoes. This budget-friendly, protein-packed meal is ready in under 30 minutes with no chopping required—perfect for busy weeknights!

This Easy Vegan Chili with Peanut Butter recipe was inspired by my Best Tofu Chili (35g protein), as well as my Easy Bean Curry on this site.

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👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
🫘 Substitutes
📖 How to Make Black Bean Chili
✔️ Expert Tips
🛒 Shop Recipe Cookware and Ingredients
🍽 Related Recipes
🥄 Pairing
🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
👩🏽‍🍳 Made this recipe?
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👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Black beans, peanut butter, diced tomatoes, spices, dried herbs, bay leaves, and garlic.

Black beans are loaded with protein and fiber. Beans are the foundation of a healthful plant-based diet. This recipe doubles down on them, requiring two cans of black beans for more plant-based protein.
Canned diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes are rich in vitamin C. This helps our bodies absorb even more iron from the black beans.
Herbs and spices packed with antioxidants: Dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne, bay leaves
Use peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. Almond butter is rich in heart-healthy fats and protein, as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It adds a creamy texture to this dish and makes for a more satisfying meal.
Garlic boosts the absorption of zinc and iron, even in the face of phytates.

🫘 Substitutes

Black beans - use pinto, white beans, or kidney beans instead
Peanut butter - Use almond, cashew, or walnut butter instead. For nut-free, use sunflower seed butter.
Canned diced tomatoes - substitute with fire-roasted tomatoes for even more flavor
Cayenne pepper - omit for nonspicy
Frozen sweet corn - add 1 cup to the simmering tomatoes for a hint of sweetness
Fresh lime juice - add for serving for a tang

For more protein-packed meals, try these comforting bean recipes on my site.

📖 How to Make Black Bean Chili

This is an overview. The full recipe is at the bottom of the post.

Diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves in a white skillet.

Place the diced tomatoes, garlic, bay leaves, and ½ cup water into a medium saucepan and cook over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer before reducing the heat to medium-low.

Diced tomatoes, dried oregano and thyme, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne, bay leaves, and minced garlic in a white skillet.

Stir in the herbs and spices and simmer covered for 15 minutes.

Black beans, diced tomatoes, peanut butter, and bay leaves in a white skillet for vegan chili.

Add the black beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the almond butter until it is fully incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper.

Crispy golden plantain fritters, saucy black bean chili with almond butter, and chopped avocado.

Garnish with my Best Vegan Sour Cream or Tofu Sour Cream, and chopped cilantro for serving. Add a side of baked Plantain Fritters!

✔️ Expert Tips

Simmer the tomatoes with the lid on to prevent the chili from becoming too thick. Add more water or vegetable broth as needed.
Use vegetable broth instead of water for even more flavor.
Add flaxseed meal and mash some of the beans to thicken the chili instead of adding nut butter for nut-free.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover Vegan Chili with Peanut Butter in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave. Add water or broth as needed to thin until the desired consistency.

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🥄 Pairing

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Why add peanut butter to chili?

Peanut butter adds creaminess, richness, and depth of flavor while boosting the chili’s protein and healthy fat content. It balances the spices with a hint of nutty sweetness.

How do I thicken black bean chili without nut butter?

If you prefer not to use nut butter, try adding flaxseed meal for a nutrient-packed thickener. You can also simmer the chili longer to reduce excess liquid or mash some of the black beans to create a thicker, heartier texture.

What is a good substitute for black beans in chili?

Red kidney beans, white beans, pinto beans, or a mixture of beans are good options for making vegetarian chili.

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