Veggie Chili
A hearty vegetarian chili with beans, vegetables, and warm spices — proves chili doesn't need meat. Better the next day. Best with cornbread, rice, or just shredded cheese on top.
Prep Time
19 min
Cook Time
19 min
Servings
4
Calories
302 cal

🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Beans1 cup
- Tomato2 medium
- Carrot1 medium
- Bell Pepper1
- Onion1 medium
All quantities scaled automatically from 4 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Beans1 cup
- Tomato2 medium
- Carrot1 medium
- Bell Pepper1
- Onion1 medium
Instructions
- 1
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 chopped carrot. Cook 8 minutes.
- 2
Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped jalapeño, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon cinnamon (secret depth), ½ teaspoon cocoa powder (another secret), 1 teaspoon salt. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 2 cans of diced tomatoes with juice.
- 4
Add 1 can each of black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans (drained and rinsed). Add 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of vegetable stock.
- 5
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your preference.
- 6
Taste and adjust salt and chili powder. Stir in juice of 1 lime. Serve in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips. Best with cornbread.
Watch how to make Veggie Chili
Plays the exact recipe video right here — no need to leave the page.
💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Cinnamon + cocoa are secrets. Tiny amounts of each add depth that distinguishes great chili from average.
- 2.Three different beans. Variety provides texture and visual appeal.
- 3.Simmer uncovered. Reduces and concentrates flavors.
- 4.Lime at end. Brightens everything.
🔬 Why It Works
Vegetarian chili succeeds when the spice blend is complex (chili powder + cumin + paprika + cinnamon + cocoa) and the bean variety provides texture. The long simmer reduces and concentrates flavors. The toppings (cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro) provide freshness and richness contrast against the bean base.
Frequently Asked Questions
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4.2
286 home cooks rated this
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
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