Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe (vegan chili!) (2024)

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This Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe is our family's go-to, one-pot meal. It's full of vegetables, made with pantry staple ingredients, and is so easy to make. It's a delicious vegan chili that everyone raves about!

Photos updated in 2020. Same delicious chili recipe.

Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe (vegan chili!) (1)

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Enter this Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe …

Check out our video for how to make vegetarian chili:

Vegetarian Chili Toppings

Vegan Chili Toppings

Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipes

Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe (vegan chili!)

I love sitting down to a big bowl of hearty vegetarian chili on a cool evening. I actually prefer vegetarian chili to a meat-based chili, even though I can no longer refer to myself as a vegetarian.

When I was 20 years old, I decided to stop eating meat. During those 14 years, I became really attached to my meat-free comfort foods. Vegetarian chili is at the top of my list followed very closely by Thai coconut curries and Indian curries.

There's just something about a one-pot meal where all the flavors meld together to become so much more than they could have been on their own.

Enter this Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe …

I've been making this homemade chili for so many years that it's become second nature to make it. Honestly, it felt a little funny measuring the ingredients so I could share the recipe with you.

There is one thing you need to know: I wasn't joking about this being an easy chili recipe. Even though I have all the ingredients listed in proper measurements, feel free to eyeball and make substitutions. This is one chili that you cannot mess up.

And if you love your crockpot, I've made a Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Recipe. It's basically this recipe with a few tweaks to make it work in a slow cooker.

Check out our video for how to make vegetarian chili:

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See how crazy easy it is to make vegan chili?

The one thing you need to know about this (or any) vegetarian chili recipe, is that you want to salt it well. Salt helps bring out the flavor as well as create a feeling of depth that can sometimes be lacking in vegetarian recipes. Don't be shy with the salt shaker.

I absolutely LOVE sitting down to a bowl of this chili because it's not only delicious, it's so healthy for you, too. There are so many veggies in here that you have to feel good eating it.

Usually, we'll eat it on its own or with a little cheese on top. But once in a while, we'll get fancy and make some cornbread. Our favorite is still theseCheesy Chili Zucchini Cornbread Muffins with Chili Honey Butter. If you haven't tried them yet, I highly recommend you do! We also love this chili with our Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread.

Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe (vegan chili!) (2)

I always make my chili super spicy, but you don't have to. That's the thing about this chili, you really don't ‘have to' do anything. It's essentially just a bunch of veggies, some beans, and some spices. You can add more or less of any the veggies or spices, or leave some out entirely. You can switch up the beans by adding a different kind or a few different kinds of beans. This chili recipe is extremely flexible and can be used as a guide for making many different vegetarian chili recipes.

The only thing I wouldn't leave out of the chili is the corn. But then again, I just love the crunchy sweet bits in each bite. If corn is not your thing (do people who don't like corn exist?) then just leave it out 🙂

Vegetarian Chili Toppings

While it's delicious on its own, we love this chili with some toppings. They make it feel extra special. Our favorites are:

  • Grated cheddar cheese
  • Sour Cream
  • Corn chips (bonus if they're nacho flavored!)
  • Sliced green onions

Vegan Chili Toppings

Don't worry vegans, we've got you covered!

  • Diced avocado (amazing!)
  • Chopped cilantro
  • A sprinkle of nutritional yeast for some healthy cheesy flavor
  • Pickled red onions. This is the recipe that I LOVE!
  • Corn chips (but skip the nacho flavored ones)
Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe (vegan chili!) (3)

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Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe (vegan chili!) (8)

Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe (vegan chili!)

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 40 minutes mins

Total: 55 minutes mins

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This easy vegetarian chili recipe is our family's go-to, one-pot dinner. It's full of vegetables, made with pantry staple ingredients, and is so easy to make. It's a delicious vegan chili that everyone raves about!

6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1-3 tablespoons chili powder (more will be spicier)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ – 2 teaspoons chili flakes (the more chili flakes the spicier it will be)
  • 2 medium bell peppers (diced)
  • 2 medium carrots (diced)
  • 3 medium celery stalks (diced)
  • 2 28-ounce cans of whole tomatoes and their juice (use your hands to roughly crush the tomatoes)
  • 2 15-ounce cans of beans (drained and rinsed (we like kidney and white beans))
  • 2 cups frozen corn (you could use fresh but frozen is easy and works great)
  • Sea salt (to taste (we like about 2 teaspoons))
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, diced avocados, or green onion

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute more. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and chili flakes and stir.

    2 tablespoons cooking oil, 1 large onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1-3 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, ¼ – 2 teaspoons chili flakes

  • Add the peppers, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they just start to soften. Add the tomatoes and their juice and bring to a simmer. Once the chili begins to simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. You want the chili to be at a low simmer with the lid off.

    2 medium bell peppers, 2 medium carrots, 3 medium celery stalks, 2 28-ounce cans of whole tomatoes and their juice

  • Continue to cook the chili, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Add beans and corn and let the chili return to a simmer. Cook for 5 more minutes or until the corn and beans have heated through. Season generously with sea salt.

    2 15-ounce cans of beans, 2 cups frozen corn, Sea salt

  • Serve on its own or topped with one (or all!) of the delicious toppings. Enjoy!

    Optional toppings: sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, diced avocados, or green onion

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving = ⅙ of the recipe, Calories: 333kcal (17%), Carbohydrates: 59g (20%), Protein: 13g (26%), Fat: 8g (12%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 1637mg (71%), Potassium: 1674mg (48%), Fiber: 14g (58%), Sugar: 24g (27%), Vitamin A: 5793IU (116%), Vitamin C: 83mg (101%), Calcium: 175mg (18%), Iron: 8mg (44%)

© Author Kristen Stevens

We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.

For more inspiration, check out all of our chili recipes!

Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe (vegan chili!) (2024)

FAQs

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What is vegan chili made of? ›

This Vegan Chili is a moderately-spiced, tomato-y stew loaded with chunks of celery, onion, green bell pepper, and carrot. Spices like ancho chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, and cayenne pepper add some body to the chili, while kidney beans and pinto beans give a hearty and creamy texture.

What is the secret to making good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  1. Brown the Meat.
  2. Don't Forget Vegetables.
  3. Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  4. Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  5. Opt for Dried Beans.
  6. Season Early and Often.
  7. Add Some Acidity at the End.
  8. Top It Off.

How long does homemade vegan chili last in the fridge? ›

Leftovers: This chili will keep in the fridge for about 4-5 days, and also freezes well. Instant Pot version: Use the sauté feature and cook your onion and garlic, then add the rest of the ingredients (except the tofu, bake that in the oven like normal).

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 gives chili the most flavor? ›

Here are some of the most common (and most effective) flavor boosters to add to your chili recipe.
  • Booze (Beer, Wine, or Liquor) ...
  • Liquid Smoke. ...
  • Brine or Vinegar. ...
  • Soy Sauce. ...
  • Fish Sauce. ...
  • Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  • Coffee or Espresso Powder. ...
  • Chocolate.
Aug 23, 2021

How do you thicken vegan chili? ›

How to Thicken Chili
  1. Simmer down. ...
  2. Stir in some finely ground cornmeal or masa harina. ...
  3. Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats. ...
  4. Pile on the vegetables. ...
  5. Try more tomato paste. ...
  6. Mash some beans. ...
  7. Crumble up some corn chips.
Oct 28, 2023

What can I replace meat with in chili? ›

Let's Talk Vegetarian Chili “Meat”

This vegetarian chili features a hearty mixture of walnuts, mushrooms, and carrots that can beautifully stand in place of your ground beef and absorbs the big flavors of sautéed onion and garlic, diced green chiles, and all those spices.

How do you add richness to chili? ›

Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight. Warming spice blends, like Garam Masala, Ras el Hanout or Baharat are another simple and delicious way to add layered flavors to this simple one-pot meal.

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.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

Go to the pantry, grab a bottle of apple cider vinegar, and stir a little into the chili. You won't need much. 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.

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

Cinnamon. The beauty of ground cinnamon is that it brings a warmth to your chili, without being spicy. It works well with other flavors commonly found in chili (like tomato, cumin and chile powder) so you only need a little bit to achieve the desired balance.

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.

Is it safe to eat vegetarian chili left out overnight? ›

The USDA says food that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be thrown away. At room temperature, bacteria grows incredibly fast and can make you sick. Reheating something that has been sitting at room temperature for longer than two hours won't be safe from bacteria.

How to give chili a deeper flavor? ›

To give your chili more flavor, try adding Chili Smoked Brown Sugar from The Smoked Olive. This unique ingredient enhances the depth of your chili with its balanced combination of heat, sweetness, and smokiness. It's perfect for creating a more complex and irresistible flavor profile that will elevate your dish.

How do you darken chili flavor? ›

Drop in some chocolate.

We're all about adding some cocoa to your chili, especially in the early stages of cooking when you're blooming your spices, but I like to drop a few pieces of dark chocolate into the pot too.

How do you increase the flavor of beef in chili? ›

To enhance the flavor of your chili, brown the meat before adding it to the pot. This step not only caramelizes the meat, but gives your chili more texture, adding a depth that cannot be achieved by simply simmering it in the chili.

How do you fix bland chili? ›

You can use sauce, diced, whole, even rotel for some kick. Add garlic, cumin, and probably more salt. Chipotle chili powder is really nice in chili.

References

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