If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting, and wholesome vegetarian chili recipe that is both quick and packed with flavor, look no further! This Bush’s Chili Beans vegetarian recipe brings together the rich, smoky spices of classic chili with the wholesome goodness of beans and vegetables, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings or anytime you crave something warm and satisfying.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is both delicious and nourishing.
Using Bush’s Chili Beans as the star ingredient, this chili is incredibly easy to prepare yet delivers complex layers of taste. With its robust tomato base, a blend of spices, and fresh vegetables, it’s a dish that will satisfy chili lovers and meat-eaters alike.
Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavorful and filling: The combination of chili beans, vegetables, and spices creates a rich, hearty chili that warms you from the inside out.
Easy and quick: This recipe is designed to come together in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Vegetarian and nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from the beans and vegetables, it’s a healthy and balanced meal.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spice it up to your liking. It’s a flexible recipe that caters to your tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Bush’s Chili Beans (choose your favorite variety, such as Original or Mild)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to heat preference)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Ladle (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil. Place your pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and bell pepper.
- Sauté until softened. Cook the onion and bell pepper for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and fragrant.
- Add garlic and spices. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Add beans and tomatoes. Pour in the two cans of Bush’s Chili Beans along with their sauce, and the can of diced tomatoes with juice. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Pour in vegetable broth. Add 1 cup of vegetable broth to the pot to thin the chili slightly and allow it to simmer well.
- Simmer the chili. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add corn kernels. About 5 minutes before the chili is finished cooking, stir in the corn kernels and continue simmering so they soften slightly without losing their crunch.
- Season to taste. Taste the chili and add salt and black pepper as needed. Adjust spices if you want it hotter or milder.
- Serve and garnish. Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce chopped finely during step 4.”
- Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but double-check your chili beans to ensure no animal products are included.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots to boost the nutrition and texture.
- Spice level: Adjust the chili powder and cayenne to suit your heat preference. Mild, medium, or hot — this chili can be tailored to your taste buds.
- Use fresh beans: If you prefer, substitute canned beans with cooked dried beans for a fresher taste, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients (except corn) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add corn in the last 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian chili is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides and toppings.
- Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices for added creaminess.
- Enjoy with a side of crunchy tortilla chips or warm cornbread.
- For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy trying some of our other delicious dishes like Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula for a creamy pasta delight, or pair your chili with a refreshing Huckleberry Margarita for a fun twist on your meal.
For a hearty meat alternative, check out our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe.
Conclusion
This Bush’s Chili Beans vegetarian recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic chili packed with flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal without compromising on heartiness or taste.
The blend of spices and fresh vegetables combined with the rich, tender beans makes this chili a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed any time of year.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this vegetarian chili fits the bill with its comforting warmth and satisfying depth. Experiment with the tips and variations to make it your own, and savor every spoonful of this delicious, wholesome dish.
📖 Recipe Card: Bush's Chili Beans Vegetarian Recipe
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetarian chili using Bush's chili beans. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Bush's Chili Beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and Bush's chili beans with their sauce.
- Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving, if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 40 g
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