There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chili. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner—easy to make, full of flavor, and it feeds a crowd. But what if you could make it even easier? What if you could make it a little bit healthier, a little bit lighter, and a lot more flavorful? That’s where this incredible Crockpot Vegetarian Chili comes in. It’s a hearty, savory, and ridiculously simple meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the entire family. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel like a total kitchen wizard, even if all you did was throw a bunch of stuff in a pot, and trust me, it’s going to become a staple in your home.
My love for this recipe started out of pure necessity. I was looking for a way to make a big batch of something delicious that I could eat all week long. I figured, why not try a vegetarian chili? I threw in a bunch of beans, some vegetables, and a few other pantry staples, and the result was a rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal. It turned a boring weeknight dinner into something truly special. I loved that I could just set it and forget it, and the house would smell incredible all day long. Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting my own version, and I can say with confidence that this vegetarian chili recipe is a total game-changer. It looks incredibly impressive, but it’s so much easier to make than you might think.
Why This Vegetarian Chili Is a Total Game-Changer
You might think a chili is just a chili, but this recipe is truly something special. It takes a simple meal and elevates it in a few very important ways.
First, there’s the incredible flavor. The long, slow cooking time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. The chili is rich, savory, and has a beautiful depth of flavor that you just can’t get from a stovetop chili. Second, it’s incredibly healthy and filling. This chili is packed with protein and fiber from the beans, and it’s loaded with vegetables.1 It’s a total win for anyone who wants to eat a little bit healthier.
Finally, it’s a total set-it-and-forget-it meal. This slow cooker chili is a fantastic recipe for a beginner cook. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques or special equipment. You can literally just chop, dump, and walk away. It’s so easy, you’ll feel like you’re cheating. This hearty vegetarian meal is perfect for anyone who loves a good homemade meal but doesn’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Your Dream Team of Ingredients
The best part about this recipe is that it uses a handful of ingredients you can find at any grocery store.2 You don’t need a trip to a specialty store or a long shopping list. Just a few key players to create a legendary dinner.
- Beans: This is the most important ingredient. I prefer using a combination of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans for a variety of textures and flavors. You can use canned beans for a quicker, easier meal.3
- Vegetables: You can use any vegetables you have on hand. Onions, bell peppers, and corn are a must! You can also add some chopped carrots, celery, or even some sweet potatoes.
- Tomatoes: This adds a beautiful, tangy flavor that complements the beans and vegetables perfectly.4 You can use canned diced tomatoes and a little bit of tomato paste.5
- Spices: This is where you can get creative! You’ll need chili powder, cumin, and a little bit of paprika.6 You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a little bit of smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Other Pantry Staples: You’ll also need a little bit of garlic, a little bit of vegetable broth, and a little bit of salt and pepper.7
The Step-by-Step Guide to Chili Perfection
This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be making it with your eyes closed after the first time. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start assembling.
Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables
Chop the onion and bell peppers. You can also chop any other vegetables you’re using.8 You can make this even easier by using a food processor to chop everything up.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. You can add the onion and bell peppers, the canned beans (drained and rinsed), the canned diced tomatoes, the tomato paste, the vegetable broth, and all the spices.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Give everything a good stir and then cover it with a lid. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chili is done, give it a good stir and serve it with your favorite toppings. You can top it with a little bit of sour cream, some shredded cheese, a little bit of cilantro, or some crushed tortilla chips.
Beyond the Basics: My Favorite Remixes
The classic easy vegetarian chili is pure perfection, but you can also use it as a base for endless flavor combinations.
- The Different Beans: You can use any beans you have on hand.9 Black beans, cannellini beans, or even some chickpeas would be delicious.
- The Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a little bit of cayenne pepper, or a little bit of chopped jalapeños to the chili for a spicy kick.
- The Smoky Twist: Add a little bit of smoked paprika or a little bit of liquid smoke to the chili for a beautiful, smoky flavor.10
- The Hearty Chili: For a heartier chili, you can add a little bit of quinoa, a little bit of lentils, or even a little bit of chopped mushrooms.
FAQs: Your Chili Questions Answered!
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, you can! Just combine all the ingredients in a large pot and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
How do I make it spicier?
You can add a little bit of cayenne pepper, a little bit of hot sauce, or a little bit of chopped jalapeños to the chili for a spicy kick.11 You can also add a little bit of chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy flavor.
How do I store it?
You can store this chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.12 It tastes even better the next day! You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.13
Why is my chili too thick?
If your chili is too thick, you can add a little bit of extra vegetable broth or a little bit of water to thin it out. You can also add a little bit of extra tomato sauce.
Why is my chili too thin?
If your chili is too thin, you can add a little bit of cornstarch to the chili. Just mix a little bit of cornstarch with a little bit of water and stir it into the chili. It will help it thicken up.
So there you have it. A guide to making the most delicious, tender, and beautiful Crockpot Vegetarian Chili you’ll ever have. It’s a simple, brilliant idea that solves all your dinner dilemmas. The next time you’re craving something comforting, you’ll know exactly what to make. Go forth and cook! You’ve got this.
Crockpot Vegetarian Chili
Equipment
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Chop the onion and bell peppers. Prepare any other vegetables you’re adding, such as carrots or sweet potatoes.
- Add beans, vegetables, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, garlic, and spices to the slow cooker.
- Stir well. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are tender.
- Stir and serve hot. Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips, if desired.
