Best Crock Pot Vegetarian Chili Recipe Winner Guide

When the chill of fall or winter sets in, nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of chili. But what if you’re vegetarian or simply want to enjoy a meat-free meal without sacrificing bold flavors?

Enter the best crock pot vegetarian chili recipe winner — a slow cooker sensation that’s become a family favorite and a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and weeknight dinners alike. This recipe combines an array of colorful vegetables, protein-packed beans, and robust spices that simmer together to create a rich, comforting dish bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this crock pot chili is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time. Plus, it’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and perfect for leftovers!

Keep reading to discover why this chili holds the title of “winner” and how you can make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crock pot vegetarian chili stands out from the crowd for several reasons. First, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that deliver a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, making it nutritious and satisfying.

The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over hours, resulting in a deep, hearty taste that rivals any traditional chili.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. You can prep everything in under 15 minutes and let the crock pot do the work while you focus on other tasks.

It’s also incredibly versatile — easily adaptable to your preferred spice level or ingredient swaps, such as using sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash or adding extra heat with jalapeños.

Finally, this chili freezes and reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for batch cooking and meal prep. If you enjoy other comforting slow cooker meals, be sure to check out our Kare Kare Recipe Slow Cooker or the Lil Smokies Chili Recipe for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges

Equipment

• Crock pot/slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Sauté pan (optional, for sautéing vegetables)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Can opener

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion, bell peppers, and carrots. Peel and cube the butternut squash. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Sauté aromatics (optional but recommended): In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds depth to the chili’s flavor but can be skipped to save time.
3. Add vegetables to crock pot: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the crock pot. Add the diced bell peppers, carrots, butternut squash, and drained beans.
4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the top.
5. Stir well: Use a wooden spoon to combine all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the tomato paste is mixed in evenly.
6. Cook low and slow: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chili is ready when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spice level as desired.
8. Serve hot: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices. A squeeze of lime adds a lovely brightness.

Tips & Variations

“To deepen the flavor, try roasting your vegetables like bell peppers and butternut squash before adding them to the crock pot.”

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
• Swap beans: Use chickpeas, navy beans, or your favorite legumes if you prefer.
• Bulk it up: Add cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat towards the end of cooking for extra texture and nutrition.
• Vegan cheese: For a dairy-free option, top with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Meal prep friendly: Cool completely and freeze in individual portions for quick meals later.
• Serve with sides: Try pairing with cornbread or warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian chili shines when served hot with a variety of delicious accompaniments. For a classic touch, spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice or pair with warm cornbread for soaking up every last drop.

For a lighter option, try topping your bowl with fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Don’t forget a handful of crunchy tortilla chips or a side of steamed greens to round out your meal.

If you’re hosting a gathering, set up a chili bar with toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and hot sauce for everyone to customize their bowls.

Conclusion

This best crock pot vegetarian chili recipe winner is the perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and flavor. It’s a testament to how satisfying and comforting meatless meals can be when crafted with care and quality ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this chili delivers delicious results every time.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and spice levels to make it uniquely yours. And if you’re interested in expanding your slow cooker repertoire, you might enjoy our Kare Kare Recipe Slow Cooker or our savory Lil Smokies Chili Recipe.

For a sweet treat to follow up, try the Marzipan Challah Recipe to round out your meal beautifully.

Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every hearty, flavorful bite!

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