As the first chill of autumn settles in and leaves begin to scatter the sidewalks, I always reach for the hearty comfort foods that warm you from the inside out. This Black Bean Bat Chili is more than just a Halloween-themed dish it’s a cold-weather staple in our kitchen. Inspired by my love for seasonal cooking and wholesome ingredients, this recipe blends the deep earthiness of black beans with a rich tomato base, warm spices, and playful bat-shaped tortilla chips.
It’s a reader favorite because it’s flavorful, fun, and naturally gluten-free perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or festive fall gatherings. So, grab a spoon and a sweater, because this chili is about to become your go-to bowl of comfort.
Black Bean Bat Chili
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- wooden spoon
- baking sheet for tortilla chips
- Bat-shaped cookie cutter
- knife and cutting board for vegetables
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 4 gluten-free corn tortillas
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for chips)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (for chips)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped bell peppers and sauté 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to toast spices.
- Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut tortillas into bat shapes using a cookie cutter. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake 8–10 minutes until crisp.
- Ladle chili into bowls, top with desired garnishes, and serve with bat chips for a festive finish.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You’ll Need for Black Bean Bat Chili
This chili is all about simplicity and pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chili Base:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans black beans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Optional Toppings:
- Dairy-free sour cream
- Shredded cheese or vegan alternative
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
For Bat Tortilla Chips:
- 4 gluten-free corn tortillas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Bat-shaped cookie cutter (or any festive cutter)
This dish makes a satisfying, nutritious meal, and it’s easy to pair with others like sweet potato and black bean bowls or gluten-free taco bowls with ground turkey.
Step by Step Instructions
Let’s break down the process so even beginner home cooks feel confident whipping this up.
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Veggies
Toss in your chopped bell peppers and sauté until slightly softened about 4–5 minutes. This adds both color and crunch.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Add cumin, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the veggies evenly and toast the spices.
Step 4: Build the Base
Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Bake Bat Chips
While the chili simmers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut gluten-free tortillas into bat shapes, brush lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake on a lined sheet for 8–10 minutes or until crisp.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with your favorite toppings, and add a few bat chips for a spooky, seasonal touch.
Pair it with cozy dishes like gluten-free apple crisp or gluten-free lemon bars for the full fall feast.
Tips for Perfect Chili Every Time
- Let it simmer: Longer simmering deepens the flavor. If you have time, cook for up to 45 minutes.
- Make it meaty (or meaty-ish): Add ground turkey or beef if you’re not strictly plant-based.
- Control the heat: Like it spicy? Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Batch-friendly: This recipe doubles easily and freezes well.
For more cozy dinner ideas, check out easy gluten-free dinner recipes and meal prep turkey chili to keep your fall menu fresh.
Fun Variations to Try
Gluten-Free & Vegan
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan no substitutions needed. But if you’re craving creaminess, swirl in some dairy-free sour cream or coconut yogurt.
Add a Crunchy Topping
Make a quick pumpkin seed or cornbread topping for added texture. Or pair with gluten-free shortbread cookies for a sweet contrast.
Smoky & Sweet Twist
Add a tablespoon of maple syrup and a dash of chipotle powder for a smoky-sweet balance that screams fall.
How to Store and Reheat
This Black Bean Bat Chili keeps beautifully:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave in 60-second bursts.
Leftovers even taste better the next day especially when served alongside something like gluten-free one-pot green chili chicken rice.
Conclusion
Whether you’re celebrating Halloween or just craving a nourishing bowl of chili, this Black Bean Bat Chili brings together the best of cozy, seasonal eating with a fun twist. It’s simple, hearty, and sure to become a staple for anyone who loves flavorful, gluten-free meals.
Looking for more autumnal inspiration? Browse our full library of gluten-free fall comfort foods and keep your kitchen festive all season long.