Veggie Chili Recipe Slow Cooker: Easy & Delicious Meal

When the weather turns chilly and comfort food cravings kick in, few dishes hit the spot quite like a hearty bowl of veggie chili. This slow cooker veggie chili recipe is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients, rich spices, and satisfying textures that come together effortlessly in your crockpot.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this recipe promises warmth, nutrition, and bold flavors with minimal prep time. Imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of simmered tomatoes, beans, and vegetables, all melded into a deliciously thick chili that’s ready to enjoy.

What makes this slow cooker veggie chili especially fantastic is its versatility and ease. You can customize the veggies, tweak the spice levels, or double the batch for easy leftovers throughout the week.

Plus, it’s packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making it a nourishing choice for any meal. If you’re interested in exploring more vegetarian slow cooker recipes or want to dive into homemade spice blends, be sure to check out Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend and Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This veggie chili recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike. Here’s why it stands out:

• Hands-off cooking: Just prep, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen while you go about your day.
• Nutritious and filling: Loaded with beans, vegetables, and spices, it delivers a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Customizable: Easily swap veggies or adjust spices to suit your taste buds or pantry stash.
• Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.
• Perfect for all diets: Naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, suitable for most dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 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 (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime (optional)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander (for rinsing beans)
• Can opener

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion, bell peppers, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). This step enhances the chili’s flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
3. Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add bell peppers, carrots, celery, zucchini, all the drained beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, and vegetable broth.
4. Add spices: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5. Cook the chili: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The vegetables will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
6. Final touches: About 15 minutes before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in fresh lime juice for brightness, if desired.
7. Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or your favorite toppings such as avocado slices, vegan sour cream, or shredded cheese.

Tips & Variations

“Slow cookers are incredibly forgiving, so feel free to experiment with the types of beans or veggies you have on hand!”

• Beans variety: Swap any combination of beans like chickpeas, navy beans, or lentils for different textures and nutrients.
• Make it smoky: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a dash of liquid smoke for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Bulk it up: Add cooked quinoa, bulgur, or barley during the last hour of cooking for added protein and texture.
• Spice levels: Adjust chili powder and cayenne to your heat preference, or serve with hot sauce on the side.
• Make it a chili bowl: Top with cooked rice, corn, sliced jalapeños, or crispy tortilla strips.
• Meal prep: This chili keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

*Sodium content varies depending on broth and canned beans used. Opt for low-sodium versions if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This veggie chili is versatile enough to be served in many delicious ways:

• Serve over steamed rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
• Top with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.
• Pair with warm crusty bread or cornbread for dipping.
• Use as a hearty filling for baked potatoes or stuffed bell peppers.
• For a Tex-Mex twist, serve alongside tortilla chips and vegan sour cream.

Conclusion

This slow cooker veggie chili recipe is a delicious, nutritious, and incredibly convenient meal that suits any season but especially shines during colder months. Its rich blend of beans, vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for busy lifestyles and family dinners.

With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Feel free to customize this chili to your liking, experimenting with different beans, veggies, or spice levels. And if you love slow cooker meals like this one, explore more recipes in our Awesome Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals collection.

Happy cooking and enjoy every hearty, flavorful spoonful!

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