Healthy Vegetarian Chili Recipe for Easy Weeknight Meals

When it comes to comfort food that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor, vegetarian chili is a true champion. This hearty dish combines a wonderful medley of beans, fresh vegetables, and a blend of warming spices to create a meal that’s satisfying and wholesome.

Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this healthy vegetarian chili recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, and it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Not only is this chili rich in fiber and protein, but it’s also low in fat and free from any animal products, making it an excellent choice for a heart-healthy lifestyle. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can easily be made vegan.

With fresh tomatoes, kidney beans, bell peppers, and a punch of chili powder, every spoonful bursts with vibrant, comforting flavor. Ready to dive into a bowl of this delicious, guilt-free chili?

Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This healthy vegetarian chili recipe stands out because it’s nutrient-dense, easy to prepare, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, it offers a balanced meal with plenty of plant-based protein from beans and fiber-rich vegetables to keep you full and energized.

Flavor-packed spices provide warmth and depth without overwhelming heat, making it approachable for all palates. What’s more, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your food.

You can also make a big batch to freeze for busy nights ahead, ensuring a wholesome meal is always within reach.

For those who enjoy experimenting, this recipe is a fantastic base to build upon with your favorite veggies or toppings. Plus, if you love this, you might also enjoy other flavorful plant-based recipes like Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or warming dishes from the Chili Recipe Slow Cooker Vegetarian: Easy & Hearty Meal collection.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium 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
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of 1 lime

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• 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 until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
4. Add the drained beans (black, kidney, and pinto) to the pot, followed by the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir everything together thoroughly.
5. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the chili is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
8. Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky twist, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika.

If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave some of the beans whole and mash the rest slightly before adding to the pot. You can also bulk up the chili with diced zucchini or corn for added nutrition and color.

For a protein boost, consider adding textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tofu sautéed with the vegetables. If you like a bit of creaminess, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative makes a great topping.

Want to use a slow cooker? Simply sauté the vegetables and spices first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Explore more slow cooker options in our Healthy Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals collection.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chili shines when served with a variety of toppings to suit your taste. Try fresh avocado slices, shredded cheese or a vegan cheese alternative, chopped green onions, or a spoonful of sour cream.

Adding crunchy tortilla chips or cornbread on the side can make the meal even more satisfying.

For a lighter meal, serve it over a bed of steamed brown rice or quinoa to soak up all the flavorful juices. You can also enjoy this chili stuffed inside baked sweet potatoes for a fun and nourishing twist.

Looking for other creative vegetarian dishes? Check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try baking something sweet afterward with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Conclusion

This healthy vegetarian chili recipe is a wonderful addition to your meal plan, offering a perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and ease of preparation. It’s a warm, filling dish that’s ideal for anyone seeking wholesome comfort food without compromising on health.

The combination of beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body.

With its flexible nature, this chili can adapt easily to what you have on hand, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights or weekend cooking. Plus, it stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy its goodness for days or freeze portions for future meals.

Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore more plant-based recipes on our site, including the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for your next culinary adventure. Happy cooking and bon appétit!

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