Veggie Chili

4.2(286 reviews)

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

Jump to Recipe
Veggie Chili — homemade International vegetarian recipe with beans, tomato, carrot, 4 servings, ready in 38 minutes
Vegetarian
Easy

🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page

Smart Servings Scaler

servings
  • 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. 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. 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. 3

    Add 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 2 cans of diced tomatoes with juice.

  4. 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. 5

    Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your preference.

  6. 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.

🎬Cooking VideoREAL RECIPE VIDEO

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

Why cocoa powder?
Adds chocolate depth that you can't detect as cocoa. Mexican chili tradition (where chocolate is often added). Just ½ teaspoon makes a difference.
How spicy is this?
Medium as written. Add more jalapeños or red pepper flakes for hotter. Skip jalapeño for milder.
Best sides?
Cornbread (the classic), rice, tortilla chips, baked potato. Fresh toppings (cheese, sour cream, cilantro).
Can I freeze it?
Yes — 3 months frozen. Actually improves with time.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)

Calories302kcal
Protein14g
Carbohydrates36g
Fat18g
Fiber7g
Sugar15g

* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.

Tags

Related Recipes