Slow Cooker Hearty Black Bean Chili With Cashew Cream

There’s nothing like a hearty bowl of chili when you want comfort in a bowl. This version is plant-based, nutrient-packed, and bursting with flavor. It’s packed with plant protein, healthy fats and fiber to keep you full and satiated.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding your family, or cozying up on a fall evening, this chili is the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat.

For this recipe I used Tex Mex seasoning. Once I tried it, I couldn’t go back! It made such a difference in the flavor of the chili. I love this organic mix here.

What you need (serves 4-6):

    •    1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

    •    2 large carrots, peeled and diced

    •    1 bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 cup frozen corn

    •    ½ yellow onion, diced

    •    2–3 cloves garlic, minced 

• 2 (15 oz) jars diced tomatoes

    •    2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed   

• 1 tbsp Tex-Mex seasoning

    •    2 tsp chili powder

    •    ½ tsp smoked paprika

    •    1 optional spicy pepper (like jalapeño), finely diced

    •    1 tbsp cooking oil (or your preferred cooking oil)

    •    Salt and pepper to taste

Cashew Cream

    •    ½ cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes if not using a high-speed blender)

    •    1 cup water

    •    Juice of 1 lemon

    •    Pinch of salt

Directions:

    1. In a slow cooker, on the medium setting, add the oil, onion, garlic, and carrots.

    2. Stir in the diced sweet potato, bell pepper, corn, and jalapeño (if using). Season with salt, pepper, Tex-Mex seasoning, chili powder, and smoked paprika.

    3. Add the diced tomatoes and black beans. Stir well, cover and let it cook for 4-6 hours or until the sweet potato is tender.

    4. While the chili cooks, blend cashews, water, lemon juice, and salt in a high speed blender until completely smooth and creamy.

    5.    Serve the cooked chili in bowls and drizzle with cashew cream. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or lime wedges if you like.

We enjoyed it with our favorite tortilla chips!

Why You’ll Love This Chili

Hearty & Nourishing – Packed with veggies, beans, and spices for a wholesome bowl.

Plant-Based & Dairy-Free – The cashew cream gives you that rich, creamy finish without dairy.

Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prep.

Customizable – Add extra heat with more chili, or keep it mild for the whole family.

Love this one? Check out another one of my favorite healthier dinners here!