Description
A rich, hearty, and comforting vegetarian chili made with beans, vegetables, and warming spices. This one-pot meal is perfect for chilly days, game nights, or weekly meal prep. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado, vegan sour cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, red and green bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the zucchini and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Mix in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste once everything is cooked through and flavors have melded.
- Serve hot with desired toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado, or vegan sour cream.
Notes
Great for meal prep – stores well in the fridge or freezer.
Add corn, sweet potatoes, or jalapeños for variety.
Use liquid smoke for a smoky twist.
To increase protein, stir in cooked quinoa or lentils.
Adaptable for slow cooker – cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours after sautéing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg