Recipe for Vegan Chili Slow Cooker Easy and Delicious

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to comfort you on a chilly day, and when it’s vegan, it’s both hearty and healthy! This vegan chili slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want to come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

Packed with beans, vegetables, and rich spices, this chili is not only filling but also bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare since the slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is a winner. The combination of protein-rich beans and nutrient-dense veggies makes it a balanced and satisfying dish.

Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will love. Ready to dive into the world of slow cooker vegan chili?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan chili slow cooker recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone who craves a hearty, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your day while the chili simmers to perfection.

Flavor-packed and customizable, this chili combines the robust taste of spices with the earthiness of beans and fresh vegetables, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s naturally gluten-free, packed with fiber, and easy to make in large batches for leftovers or meal prep.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies and protein into your diet, making it a healthy choice for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. If you love recipes that are simple, tasty, and nourishing, this slow cooker chili will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) 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) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (4 to 6-quart capacity recommended)
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Colander for rinsing beans

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion, bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves. This prep work will ensure everything cooks evenly and infuses the chili with fresh flavors.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This step brings out the sweetness and depth of the onions.
3. Add diced bell peppers, carrots, and celery: Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Transfer sautéed veggies to the slow cooker: Add the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, and corn kernels to the slow cooker. Pour in the vegetable broth to help everything cook thoroughly.
5. Season the chili: Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chili on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors develop and blend.
7. Finish with lime juice: Before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice to add a bright, zesty note that balances the richness of the chili.
8. Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Add your favorite toppings such as avocado slices, vegan sour cream, or shredded plant-based cheese for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

“For an even heartier chili, add a cup of cooked quinoa or brown rice towards the end of cooking.”

If you prefer your chili with a smoky depth, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce during step 5. For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper.

You can also swap out any of the beans for chickpeas or lentils for variety.

For extra veggies, consider tossing in zucchini or mushrooms along with the bell peppers. If you want a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.

This chili freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save half for a quick meal another day. Just thaw and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan chili is versatile and pairs wonderfully with many sides. For a classic touch, serve it over fluffy brown rice or quinoa to make it a complete meal.

Top your bowl with sliced avocado, diced red onions, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of vegan sour cream for added creaminess. Cornbread or vegan garlic bread on the side can make it feel extra special for cozy dinners.

For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. If you want to add a Tex-Mex twist, try it with tortilla chips or vegan cheese melted on top.

Looking for more slow cooker recipes? Check out Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for inspiration.

Conclusion

This slow cooker vegan chili is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection, especially when you want something wholesome, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s perfect for meal prep, busy days, or whenever you need a comforting bowl of warmth.

By using a variety of beans and fresh vegetables, this chili provides a balanced dose of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability—you can easily tweak the spice levels or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work while you go about your day.

For those who love exploring vegan cooking, you might also enjoy Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or try your hand at baking with the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Give this recipe a try and discover how easy and delicious vegan slow cooker meals can be!

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