Southwestern Black Bean Jerky Chili

Packed with bold flavors and a unique smoky twist, this Southwestern Black Bean Jerky Chili is the ultimate comfort food with a creative edge. Perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings, this hearty chili combines protein-rich black beans, tender bell peppers, and savory beef jerky for a satisfying texture and deep, smoky flavor. A rich blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika ensures every bite bursts with Southwestern flair, while a splash of lime juice adds a zesty brightness. Ready in just an hour, this one-pot wonder is both easy to make and endlessly customizable with toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese. Whether you're feeding a crowd or craving a flavor-packed meal, this chili is sure to impress while keeping things hearty and wholesome.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 6 ounces dried beef jerky, cut into small pieces
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0 sour cream (optional, for serving)
• 0 shredded cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced red and green bell peppers and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the cut pieces of jerky and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow them to absorb some moisture from the vegetables.

Step 6

Add the black beans, crushed tomatoes, and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the lime juice just before serving.

Step 10

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.

Step 11

Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2626.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2288.2

Total Fat 95.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 166.5mg	0%
Sodium 6658.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 240.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 78.8g	0%
Total Sugars 55.8g
Protein 129.6g	0%

Vitamin D 6IU	0%
Calcium 942.2mg	0%
Iron 38.6mg	0%
Potassium 5515.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.7%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 41.1%