Beanless Chili With Vegetable Recipe Slow Cooker Guide

Chili is a beloved comfort food that’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a warm, hearty meal. However, traditional chili often relies on beans as a staple ingredient, which not everyone enjoys or can eat.

If you’re looking for a delicious alternative that’s packed with vegetables, robust spices, and slow cooker convenience, this beanless chili with vegetables recipe is exactly what you need. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome meal waiting for you.

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the rich spices and fresh veggies to meld into a satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and comforting.

This recipe embraces the essence of chili without beans, using a variety of vegetables and plant-based proteins to keep it hearty. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to try something new, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your preferred level of heat. Ready to dive into a bowl of this satisfying beanless chili?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beanless chili recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile – you can adjust the vegetables and spice levels to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

It’s also slow cooker-friendly, meaning you can prep it in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

Rich in flavor, this chili combines smoky, spicy, and savory notes that satisfy chili cravings without the heaviness of beans. It’s also packed with nutrient-dense vegetables, making it a wholesome and hearty option perfect for meal prep or family dinners.

For those looking for easy, plant-based meals, this chili fits perfectly into a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle and pairs beautifully with other dishes. If you’re interested in exploring more vegetarian recipes, be sure to check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion 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
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chili powder (see Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a great DIY option)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or lentils (optional, for added protein)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (4-6 quart capacity recommended)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Mixing bowls (optional for prepping ingredients)
• Can opener for diced tomatoes

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion, red and green bell peppers, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Slice the mushrooms and cube the butternut squash.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped if pressed for time.
3. Add vegetables to slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the bell peppers, carrots, celery, zucchini, mushrooms, and butternut squash.
4. Add liquids and spices: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
5. Stir to combine: Mix all ingredients thoroughly so the spices and tomato paste are evenly distributed.
6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The vegetables should be tender and the flavors well blended.
7. Add quinoa or lentils: If using cooked quinoa or lentils, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through without getting mushy.
8. Final taste and seasoning: Before serving, taste your chili and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
9. Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if you like.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the vegetable mix depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Sweet potatoes, corn, or kale can add interesting flavors and textures.

For a smoky, deeper flavor, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or smoked salt.

If you prefer some heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped jalapeños during the sauté step. For a creamier chili, stir in coconut milk or cashew cream at the end of cooking.

Want to boost your protein further? Add crumbled tofu or tempeh along with the vegetables.

For a lower-carb option, omit quinoa and focus on hearty vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beanless chili is delicious served on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try it with warm cornbread or over steamed rice for a filling meal.

You can also serve it with tortilla chips and a dollop of guacamole or vegan sour cream for a festive touch.

For a lighter option, spoon it over a bed of fresh greens or serve alongside a simple salad with a zesty dressing. This chili also freezes well, making it perfect for batch cooking and future meals.

Looking for more comforting and easy meals to pair with this chili? Explore Awesome Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals and find your next favorite dish.

Conclusion

This slow cooker beanless chili with vegetables is a nutritious, flavorful alternative to traditional chili that everyone can enjoy. It’s packed with a colorful array of fresh veggies and warming spices, making it a perfect meal for any season.

Thanks to the slow cooker, it’s effortless to prepare, allowing you to come home to a steaming bowl of comfort and satisfaction every time.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this chili is a versatile, crowd-pleasing option. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite vegetables and spice blends to make this recipe truly your own.

For more plant-powered inspiration, check out our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Beanless Chili with Vegetables (Slow Cooker)”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful chili made without beans, packed with vegetables and spices. Perfect for a comforting slow-cooked meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT6H”, “totalTime”: “PT6H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb ground turkey or beef”, “1 large onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 bell peppers, diced”, “2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)”, “1 cup diced zucchini”, “1 cup sliced mushrooms”, “1 cup vegetable or beef broth”, “2 tbsp chili powder”, “1 tsp ground cumin”, “1 tsp smoked paprika”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brown the ground turkey or beef in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer meat mixture to slow cooker.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, and broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}