BuzzFeed Recipes Vegetarian Chili That Everyone Will Love

When the weather turns chilly and you crave a meal that’s hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor, BuzzFeed’s vegetarian chili is the perfect choice. This recipe brings together a colorful medley of beans, vegetables, and spices, creating a rich and comforting dish that even meat-eaters will love.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your weekly rotation, this chili offers a satisfying alternative that’s easy to whip up in under an hour.

What makes this vegetarian chili stand out is its vibrant combination of textures and flavors—from the smoky chipotle peppers to the sweet bell peppers and robust beans. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, catering to various dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Whether served on its own or with your favorite toppings, BuzzFeed’s vegetarian chili is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your home-cooked meal repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BuzzFeed’s vegetarian chili is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious and easy to make. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Rich in plant-based protein: Multiple beans provide a great protein boost without any meat.
• Loaded with fresh vegetables: Adds fiber, vitamins, and a lovely texture.
• Bold, smoky flavor: Chipotle peppers and spices give it a satisfying depth.
• Flexible and customizable: Easy to adapt for spiciness or add your favorite mix-ins.
• Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream or vegan alternative, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Can opener
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Colander (for rinsing beans)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Sauté for another 6-7 minutes until the vegetables soften but still retain some bite.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
4. Add the minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and mix well to distribute the smoky heat evenly throughout the chili.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the drained and rinsed black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir to combine.
7. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chili simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chipotle peppers if you prefer it spicier.
9. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.

• Make it vegan: Use vegan sour cream and skip cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.
• Boost the protein: Add textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tempeh for extra heartiness.
• Extra veggies: Stir in corn, zucchini, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
• Mild version: Reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit them entirely if you prefer less heat.
• Slow cooker option: After sautéing the veggies and spices, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian chili is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:

• Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to make it more filling.
• Top with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (or vegan cheese) and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Add fresh avocado slices and a squeeze of lime for a creamy, zesty finish.
• Serve alongside warm cornbread or garlic bread to soak up every delicious bite.
• For a lighter meal, spoon it over a crisp green salad or stuff into baked sweet potatoes.

Conclusion

BuzzFeed’s vegetarian chili is a wonderful, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines wholesome ingredients with bold flavors. It’s a perfect meal for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting bowl of chili without meat but full of protein and nutrients.

The ease of preparation and the flexibility to customize it to your taste make it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or meal prepping in advance.

Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a longtime fan of meatless meals, this chili will quickly become a go-to recipe. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes on our site, such as Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for something heartier, the fresh and zesty Lemon Straws Recipe for dessert, or the savory Halibut Dip Recipe for appetizer inspiration.

Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

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