YT Recipe

This vegan chili is perfect for meal prep!

This vegan chili is perfect for meal prep! is a medium Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Caitlin Shoemaker on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Cost: $8.94 total, $2.23 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 peppers Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (minced, plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch‑processed preferred)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 0.25 cup Cashew Cream (soak 4 oz raw cashews, blend with ¼ cup water until smooth (optional for extra creaminess))
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 Avocado (sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables

    Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the cilantro, and slice the avocado. Set avocado aside until serving.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté 5 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: medium heat on stove

  3. Toast Spices and Chipotle

    Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, unsweetened cocoa powder, minced chipotle peppers, and 1 tbsp adobo sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat on stove

  4. Add Tomatoes and Liquids

    Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, vegetable broth, and the drained black beans. Stir to combine and increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat on stove

  5. Simmer the Chili

    Reduce heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: low simmer

  6. Blend for Creaminess (Optional)

    Using an immersion blender, blend 1/3 of the chili directly in the pot until smooth, then stir in the cashew cream for extra richness.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Final Seasoning

    Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give the chili a final stir.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Serve and Garnish

    Ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced avocado. Serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
12 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Dairy-Free

Allergens: Cashews

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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This vegan chili is perfect for meal prep!

Recipe by Caitlin Shoemaker

A creamy, protein‑packed vegan chili that gets depth from chipotle peppers in adobo and a secret touch of unsweetened cocoa powder. Perfect for meal‑prep or a quick weeknight dinner, topped with fresh cilantro and sliced avocado.

MediumTex-MexServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
43m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.94
Total cost
$2.23
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Sautéing the onion and garlic to build flavor base.
  • • Toasting the cocoa powder with spices and chipotle to release depth.
  • • Simmering the chili for at least 30 minutes for flavor development.
  • • Blending part of the chili (or adding cashew cream) for a creamy texture.

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle hot oil and boiling liquid with care to avoid burns.
  • • Chipotle peppers are spicy; wash hands after handling and avoid touching eyes.
  • • When using a blender, vent the lid slightly and start on low speed to prevent splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chipotle Black Bean Chili in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Black bean chili is a staple of Tex‑Mex home cooking, offering a vegetarian alternative to traditional meat‑based chili. The addition of chipotle peppers reflects the Mexican influence of smoked chilies, while cocoa powder is a secret technique used by some regional cooks to deepen flavor without adding sweetness.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of black bean chili in Texas and northern Mexico?

A

In Texas, black bean chili often includes smoked meats or beef broth, whereas northern Mexican versions may use dried chilies, tomatillos, and corn masa for thickness. The vegan version swaps meat for beans and adds plant‑based fats, but retains the smoky chipotle backbone.

cultural
Q

How is Chipotle Black Bean Chili traditionally served in Tex‑Mex households?

A

It is typically ladled into a bowl and topped with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Corn tortillas, warm rice, or crusty bread are common sides that help soak up the rich broth.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chipotle Black Bean Chili traditionally associated with in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

Chili is a popular dish for game‑day gatherings, family pot‑lucks, and casual weekend meals. Its easy scalability makes it a go‑to for holidays like Cinco de Mayo or Fourth of July barbecues where crowds need hearty, shareable food.

cultural
Q

How does Chipotle Black Bean Chili fit into the broader Tex‑Mex cuisine tradition?

A

Tex‑Mex cuisine blends Mexican flavors with American comfort food techniques. This chili showcases classic Mexican ingredients—chipotle, beans, and cocoa—while using the one‑pot, hearty style beloved in Texas comfort cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chipotle Black Bean Chili versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include black beans, chipotle peppers in adobo, smoked paprika, cumin, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Acceptable substitutes are smoked paprika for chipotle, canned pinto beans for black beans, and cocoa powder replaced by a small amount of dark chocolate or raw cacao.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with Chipotle Black Bean Chili?

A

Serve it alongside Mexican street‑style corn (elote), a simple cilantro‑lime rice, warm corn tortillas, or a fresh avocado salad. A side of queso fresco or a squeeze of lime brightens the rich chili.

cultural
Q

What makes Chipotle Black Bean Chili with cocoa powder special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

The secret addition of cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolatey depth that balances the smoky heat of chipotle without tasting like dessert. This technique, used by some traditional cooks, creates a richer, more complex broth that stands out from typical chili recipes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chipotle Black Bean Chili at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the garlic (it becomes bitter), not toasting the cocoa and spices long enough (flavor stays flat), and simmering for too short a time (the flavors won’t meld). Also, adding too much liquid early can dilute the depth of the chili.

technical
Q

Why does this Chipotle Black Bean Chili recipe use cocoa powder instead of chocolate or sugar?

A

Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the bitter, earthy notes that enhance the smoky chipotle without adding sweetness. Chocolate would introduce sugar and fat, altering the balance, while cocoa keeps the dish savory and protein‑focused.

technical
Q

Can I make Chipotle Black Bean Chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili improves after resting. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to four days or freeze for up to two months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it looks thick.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Caitlin Shoemaker specialize in?

A

Caitlin Shoemaker’s YouTube channel focuses on simple, plant‑based meals that are nutritious, flavorful, and easy to prepare for busy lifestyles. She often highlights creative twists like secret ingredients to elevate everyday dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Caitlin Shoemaker’s approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

Caitlin emphasizes quick, weeknight‑friendly recipes that use pantry staples and a single “secret ingredient” to add excitement, whereas many other vegan channels focus on elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients.

channel
More like this:Tex-Mex RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Caitlin Shoemaker

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