Vegetarian Chili Recipe (Hearty + Easy One Pot Comfort)

Vegetarian chili recipe lovers, this one’s for you. There’s nothing better than curling up with a warm bowl on a busy night. This recipe is quick, hearty, and oh so satisfying. Made mostly from pantry staples, it’s a one pot wonder you can whip up in under 30 minutes. The beans bring the protein, the spices bring the heat, and every spoonful feels like a hug.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Chili

This vegetarian chili recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food lovers. It’s ready fast, it’s filling without meat, and it’s a dish the whole family will dig into happily. The mix of beans and veggies makes it protein rich and full of fiber, while the smoky spices keep every bite bold and exciting. Best of all, it tastes even better the next day, so leftovers are a real treat. If chili is your jam, you’ll also enjoy this cozy slow cooker lentil taco chili for another meatless twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to pull off this cozy pot of chili
• 2 tablespoons oil, olive or vegetable
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 packet chili seasoning, or your own blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder
• 2 cans fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can black beans, undrained
• 1 can kidney beans, undrained
• 1 can pinto beans, undrained
• 1 can corn, undrained

Optional add ins include jalapenos for extra spice, chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms for more veggie depth

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Flavor Base

Heat oil in a large heavy bottomed pot. Add onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Stir in the chili seasoning and cook for another minute to release the spices

Add the Pantry Staples

Pour in all the beans, corn, and tomatoes directly from the cans, liquid and all. This is the trick that makes the chili rich and hearty without needing extra broth

Simmer and Thicken

Bring everything to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes. For a thicker texture, blend one cup of chili in a blender and stir it back in

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and top with your favorites like shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips. It also pairs beautifully with sides like cornbread or a slice of hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup

Variations and Cooking Methods

Spicy Kick

Love heat? Toss in fresh jalapeno slices or add a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

Slow Cooker Method

Combine everything in your crockpot and let it cook low and slow for 4 to 6 hours, perfect for busy days

Instant Pot Method

Add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally

Veggie Boost

Bulk it up with zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for even more goodness. For another bean packed soup idea, check out this Tuscan chickpea soup

Tips for the Best Veggie Chili

Don’t drain the cans, the liquid makes the perfect base
Use a heavy pot so nothing sticks to the bottom
If you want it thicker, simmer longer uncovered or stir in masa harina
Chili tastes deeper and richer the next day, so make extra

What to Serve with Vegetarian Chili

This chili is delicious on its own, but even better with sides like a slice of golden cornbread, baked potatoes topped with chili and cheese, piled on nachos for game day, or over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Fridge Store in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days
Freezer Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge
Reheat Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave

FAQ

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