This easy vegetarian chili recipe is the best meatless chili out there! Meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans will all fall in love with this easy vegetarian recipe that uses black beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and plenty of veggies.
Vegetarian chili is the coziest soup of the season.
Soup warms you from the inside out, and no soup sticks with you better than chili. I love vegetarian chili on it’s own, as a dip for tortilla chips, on top of walnut burgers(!), and on vegetarian hot dogs.
If you want to keep this chili vegan, just leave the dairy off in the toppings. The meatless chili base itself is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
My favorite thing about this easy vegetarian recipe is how rich and savory it is. The beans are creamy, the soup is spicy, and it’s full of nutrition.
Top individual bowls with crunchy tortilla strips for a great texture experience. Other favorite toppings include diced jalapenos, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and chopped cilantro or parsley.
What to serve with vegetarian chili
- Moist cornbread
- Baked pita chips
- The best vegan salad
- Sweet potato fries
- Roasted corn pico de gallo
- Radish salsa
- Crockpot mashed potatoes
How do you make the best vegetarian chili?
The best vegetarian chili is made from simple ingredients like onions, carrots, black beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and tomatoes. It’s easy to chop, sauté and simmer the ingredients together so everything is ready in a little over an hour.
My easy vegetarian chili doesn’t use any special ingredients like lentils or grains to bulk it up, instead it’s naturally thick, creamy, and delicious!
How long does vegetarian chili last in the fridge?
I keep my chili in a covered dish in the refrigerator for up to three days. You could also freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and/or heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.
This easy vegetarian chili recipe can be customized! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add two ribs of celery, diced, with the carrots
- Use more or less chili powder to taste
- Sprinkle individuals servings with your favorite hot sauce (<— affiliate link to mine!)
- Mix and match whatever beans you have on hand such as pinto
- Make a soupier chili by adding more tomato juice or some vegetable broth
If you love this meatless chili recipe you may also enjoy:
If you make this recipe be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 medium or 2 small onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with their juice
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 ounces canned cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup tomato juice, more as needed
- Salt
- Cheddar cheese, (optional)
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, (optional)
- Cilantro or Parsley, (optional)
- Tortilla Strips, (optional)
- Sliced Avocado, (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the carrots, red pepper, green pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the onions are golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Add the jalapeno, chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, black beans, tomato juice, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally until the flavors are blended, about 45 minutes. If it begins to look too dry add more tomato juice or water as needed.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings. Ladle into bowls and serve with cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and tortilla strips if desired.
Notes
Kristen says
As always, your photography is GORGEOUS. And what a great recipe! So easy and flavorful. Thanks for sharing!
Jillian says
Could this be made to simmer in a crockpot all day?
Lindsay Moe says
I haven’t tried it but I definitely think it would work. If it starts to dry out, just add more vegetable stock to your liking.
Irene says
Excellent! I was a little doubtful about carrots and 2 whole peppers but every ingredient works so well together.
MME WENDY FAGES says
Excellent! So perfect for this rainy night. I had no prepared black beans so I added cubed tempeh to the onions, peppers garlic and carrots once they were soft. I added a healthy teaspoon of sea salt ans served it with rice. There’s enough left for burritos on Friday! Thank you, great share.
Lindsay Moe says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, thanks for sharing your serving suggestions!