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Vegetarian Chili Recipe

4.9 from 106 reviews

This hearty Vegetarian Chili is a flavorful, comforting one-pot dish packed with a variety of beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a nutritious, meat-free meal, it combines the warmth of chili powder and cumin with the freshness of jalapeño and cilantro, making it a satisfying option for chilly days or anytime you crave a delicious plant-based stew.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped

Beans and Tomatoes

  • 1 (15.5-oz.) can black beans, drained, rinsed
  • 1 (15.5-oz.) can kidney beans, drained, rinsed
  • 1 (15.5-oz.) can pinto beans, drained, rinsed
  • 1 (28-oz.) can fire roasted tomatoes

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tbsp. ground cumin
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Sauté vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and carrots, cooking and stirring occasionally until softened, about 7 to 9 minutes. Then add the finely chopped garlic and jalapeño and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add tomato paste and beans: Stir in the tomato paste to coat the vegetables evenly. Add the drained and rinsed black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, followed by the fire-roasted tomatoes and vegetable broth.
  3. Season and simmer: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Season the chili with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens slightly and the flavors meld together, about 30 minutes.
  4. Serve: Divide the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro leaves for garnish. Serve hot.

Notes

  • This chili can be made spicier by adding more jalapeño or additional chili powder.
  • For a vegan version, omit the cheddar cheese and sour cream or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables such as corn or zucchini for variation.

Keywords: vegetarian chili, bean chili, meatless chili, easy chili recipe, healthy chili, plant-based chili