Vegetarian Chili - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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Introducing the ULTIMATE vegetarian chili recipe! It’s full of tender vegetables, a combination of beans, and loaded with seasonings. It’s an easy one-pot chili bursting with so many flavors and textures that you won’t even miss the meat!

Vegetables can be the star of so many delicious recipes! I love this vegetable stir-fry because it’s so colorful and hearty. Or try my vegetable soup or this vegetable lo mein.

Vegetarian Chili - The Recipe Critic (1)

The BEST Vegetarian Chili

Get ready to taste the BEST vegetarian chili you’ve ever had! You won’t even realize it’s meatless because it’s so hearty and flavorful. It’s warm, cozy, and full of beans and veggies! This one-pot chili is a combination of tender beans, colorful vegetables, and a medley of spices. All simmered together to make the ultimate vegetarian chili that is comforting on a cold day. It’s the perfect chili recipe for making over the stove, in the slow cooker, or even the instant pot! You’re going to love how easy it is to throw together no matter what method of cooking you choose.

Adding more vegetables to our dinners is always a goal of mine. Especially when the family gets more nutrients in their day! Try this easy fried rice, these air fryer stuffed peppers, or this incredible vegetable chicken stew. Your family will LOVE them all!

Ingredients You Will Need

Chili doesn’t have to have meat to be chili! In my opinion, chili is ALL about the beans and the flavor. Trust me, you won’t be the meat in the vegetarian chili recipe. The exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

  • Olive Oil: For cooking the onions and garlic in.
  • Onion: The flavor booster in the pumpkin chili, chopped to add a touch of sweetness and texture.
  • Bell Peppers:I used red and green bell peppers to add some color and crunch.
  • Garlic: A tiny clove with a big punch, garlic makes everything taste better.
  • Green Chilies: Adds to the Mexican-inspired flavors in this chili.
  • Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: I love the extra char and flavor from the canned fire-roasted tomatoes in this recipe. It adds depth to the flavor!
  • Kidney Beans, Chili Beans, Black Beans: The best trio of beans that add protein and creaminess to the vegetarian chili.
  • Vegetable Broth: A key ingredient to making this a vegetarian chili. The broth is a savory base for the chili.
  • Spices: Time to break out your spice rack! I used large amounts of chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. I like my vegetarian chili seasoned very well!
  • Salt: Season to taste!

Vegetarian Chili Recipe

Gather those ingredients, grab your soup pot, and let’s get cooking! Vegetarian chili is SO easy to prepare. All you need to do is give your onions and garlic a quick sauté, then combine all of the ingredients together. Let it cook until it’s hearty, rich, and packed with flavor!

  1. Sauté Onion, Peppers, and Garlic: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil and onion and cook until the onions are tender. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add in the canned tomatoes, green chilies, broth, chili beans (with juices), kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt.
  3. Simmer: Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Serve: Taste and adjust the seasonings if desired. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Vegetarian Chili - The Recipe Critic (2)

Can I Cook it in a Crockpot or Instant Pot?

Yes! This vegetarian chili recipe can be cooked in both a slow cooker and an Instant Pot! This recipe is so incredibly easy with any method you choose.

  • Crockpot Vegetarian Chili:Before adding the ingredients to the slow cooker, sauté the onions and peppers. Add the oil to a medium-sized skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the onions and peppers and cook for 5-6 minutes. Once cooked and tender, add the garlic and cook for 30 more seconds. Add the onions, peppers, and garlic to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
  • Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili:To cook this in the instant pot, add the olive oil, onions, and peppers in the “sauté” mode. Cook until tender then add the garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds. Add the rest of the ingredients to the instant pot and cook on “manual” for 20 minutes. Then, do a slow release of the steam and enjoy!
Vegetarian Chili - The Recipe Critic (3)

Variations

Here are a few ideas on how you can easily switch up this vegetarian chili. Depending on what ingredients you have on hand at home, this chili can be different every time!

  • Use Different Vegetables:Switch this chili up easily by using different vegetables! Some that I like to add in are bell peppers, chopped zucchini, or peas!
  • Turn up the Heat:Red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or tabasco sauce garnished on top would make it spicy!
  • Switch Up the Beans:I love the chili beans in this recipe because of the tomato sauce they come in. It adds so much flavor but feel free to use pinto beans or white beans. Any beans work in this chili because it’s so versatile.
  • Toppings: Top your chili with any toppings you desire! We love cilantro, lime juice, sliced avocado, and jalapeños. It’s also delicious with sour cream and cheese!

Storing Leftover Vegetarian Chili

This vegetarian chili is perfect for meal prep throughout the week! Make a big batch for future lunches or dinners. It’s so easy to store and enjoy later.

  • In the Refrigerator:Once the chili has cooled, then store it in anairtight containerin the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • In the Freezer:After cooking and allowing the chili to cool down, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top to account for expansion as the soup freezes. Then, label it with the date. This chili will last about 2-3 months.
  • To Reheat:When you’re ready to use the frozen chili, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s heated throughout.
Vegetarian Chili - The Recipe Critic (4)

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Vegetarian Chili

4 from 2 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

Introducing the ULTIMATE vegetarian chili recipe! It's full of tender vegetables, a combination of beans, and loaded with seasonings. It's an easy one-pot chili bursting with so many flavors and textures that you won't even miss the meat!

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large pot add the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until tender.

  • Add in the canned tomatoes, green chilies, broth, chili beans, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt.

  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes.

  • Taste and adjust the seasonings if desired. Enjoy the chili with your favorite toppings!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 18gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 1688mgPotassium: 1042mgFiber: 18gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 3096IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 132mgIron: 7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

Read More About Me

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Vegetarian Chili - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

Is vegetarian chili good for you? ›

Health benefits

As a Dietitian, I love a one bowl meal that has complex carbs, protein, plenty of veggies, and healthy fat all in one. This chili is packed with plant protein and filling fiber from beans and veggies, making it crazy hearty. Regular consumption of beans can help lower cardiovascular risk.

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What can you add to chili? ›

Chopped sweet onion, diced bell peppers (any color), cocoa powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, cracked black pepper, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, and a dash of brown sugar.

How do you thicken vegetarian chili? ›

Stir in some finely ground cornmeal or masa harina.

Start by stirring 1 to 2 tablespoons into your chili, allow the stew to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes more, and it should thicken up a bit. Masa harina (an instantly binding corn flour) also works beautifully to absorb liquid.

Is vegetarian chili high in cholesterol? ›

Because strict vegetarian meals don't contain animal foods, they're cholesterol-free.

Is it OK to eat chilli everyday? ›

Therefore, you should eat spicy 2-3 times / week and eat with intermittent frequency. Eating too much spicy causes heat in the body Using a lot of chili with a regular frequency along with a high degree of spicy can cause mouth ulcers or boils, burning in the anus as well as other organs..

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Why add vinegar to chilli? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

What is vegetarian chili made of? ›

Ingredients in homemade vegetarian chili

All you need are a few cans of beans (I love kidney beans in my chili), veggies, spices and crushed tomatoes. To make this plant based chili you'll need: Veggies: we're adding onion, carrot, bell pepper, sweet potato and corn for the perfect mix of hearty veggies.

What is my chilli missing? ›

Sometimes, despite all the T.L.C. we've put into our chili the whole way through, it can still taste like it's missing something at the end. Chances are good that "something " is actually acid. A splash of wine, cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even lemon juice can help perk up the flavors.

Should chili be soupy or thick? ›

Chili should be thick and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but sometimes there's just a bit more liquid than you want in the pot. While you can simply keep simmering the chili, that method risks overcooking softer ingredients like the beans, losing all your nice texture to mushy monotony.

Why do you put cornmeal in chili? ›

Add cornmeal: Cornmeal absorbs excess liquid, so adding a tablespoon of it to your pot of chili will thicken the final result. Allow the chili to simmer for about ten minutes after you add the cornmeal.

What are the benefits of vegetable chilli? ›

Takeaways. Eating chili peppers offers many health benefits, including improving your heart health, metabolism, and immune system. They also add spiciness, warmth, color, and flavor to your food. Experiment with different types of chilis to find the ones you enjoy eating and cooking with.

How healthy is chili for you? ›

While not considered to be a low-fat meal, chili is relatively low in calories and provides a great serving of protein, thanks to the meat and beans it contains. A serving of chili is also low in carbs, sugar, and sodium.

What is vegetarian chilli made of? ›

Ingredients in homemade vegetarian chili

All you need are a few cans of beans (I love kidney beans in my chili), veggies, spices and crushed tomatoes. To make this plant based chili you'll need: Veggies: we're adding onion, carrot, bell pepper, sweet potato and corn for the perfect mix of hearty veggies.

Is vegetarian chili good for lowering cholesterol? ›

The antioxidant rich onions, garlic, and tomatoes in this recipe also have very heart-healthy properties including lowering high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

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