Consumer Reports Vegetarian Chili Recipe That Tastes Amazing

Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of chili when you’re craving comfort food that’s both nutritious and satisfying. The Consumer Reports Vegetarian Chili Recipe brings together an incredible medley of beans, fresh vegetables, and spices to create a delicious, protein-packed meal that even meat lovers will appreciate.

This chili is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or to serve at gatherings where everyone can enjoy a wholesome, flavorful dish without any meat. Plus, it’s easy to make and highly customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

In this post, we’ll walk you through every step to create this classic vegetarian chili, share some tips to enhance the flavors, and provide nutritional info so you know exactly what you’re eating. Ready to dive in?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian chili recipe stands out because it balances flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. The combination of multiple beans ensures a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied.

The fresh vegetables add natural sweetness and texture, while the chili powder and spices give it a warm, smoky kick.

Consumer Reports developed this recipe after extensive testing to ensure it hits the right notes in terms of taste and texture. It’s perfect for beginners but also satisfying for chili connoisseurs.

Additionally, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by skipping any optional dairy toppings.

In short, this chili is:

• Hearty and filling without any meat
• Full of wholesome ingredients like beans and fresh veggies
• Easy to customize with different spices or toppings
• Perfect for batch cooking and freezes beautifully for later

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
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder (see our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a great homemade mix)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Optional toppings: sour cream or plain yogurt, shredded cheese, diced avocado, lime wedges

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can opener
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add the garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and jalapeño (if using). Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook the spices with the vegetables for 1-2 minutes to release their aromas and deepen the flavor.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, beans, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together well, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot to incorporate all those flavorful bits.
5. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed—feel free to add more chili powder or cumin if you want a stronger flavor.
7. Once the chili is thickened and the flavors melded, remove from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
8. Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and your choice of optional toppings like avocado or a squeeze of lime.

Tips & Variations

“For a deeper, smoky flavor, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a splash of smoked liquid seasoning.”

• Make it vegan: Use non-dairy sour cream or skip the cheese toppings altogether.
• Add more veggies: Try corn, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra texture.
• Spice it up: Increase the jalapeño or add cayenne pepper if you like heat.
• Use dried beans: If you prefer, soak and cook dried beans beforehand for a fresher taste.
• Slow cooker option: Brown the veggies in a skillet, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian chili is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with many sides and toppings. Try it with warm crusty bread or over a bed of steamed rice for a filling meal.

For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some steamed greens.

Top your chili with shredded cheese, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for creaminess. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors right before serving.

You might also enjoy it with tortilla chips or corn bread for a classic chili dinner experience.

For more delicious vegetarian meal ideas, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or explore wholesome grains with Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Conclusion

The Consumer Reports Vegetarian Chili Recipe is a perfect example of how plant-based meals can be both delicious and satisfying. With an array of beans and fresh vegetables combined with warming spices, this chili delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

Its simplicity and adaptability mean even novice cooks can whip up a flavorful pot with minimal effort. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it an ideal choice for busy lifestyles.

If you want to explore more comforting and wholesome recipes, be sure to browse our collection of Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals and discover flavorful plant-based meals that nourish your body and delight your taste buds.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Consumer Reports Vegetarian Chili”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful vegetarian chili packed with beans and vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 large onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, diced”, “2 medium carrots, diced”, “1 zucchini, diced”, “2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes”, “2 tablespoons chili powder”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 cup vegetable broth”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic, saut\u00e9 until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add beans, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45 g”}}