Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Ever craved a hearty bowl of chili, but wanted something lighter and meat-free? This easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili recipe is your answer. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, it’s a delightful blend of flavors and spices that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Goodness: Packed with protein-rich beans, fresh veggies, and a medley of spices, this slow cooker chili recipe ensures every bite is both tasty and nourishing.
- Set and Forget: Thanks to the magic of the slow cooker (or crockpot), you can simply toss in your ingredients and let the appliance do the heavy lifting.
- Versatile: Perfect for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, ensuring everyone can dig in!
- Budget-Friendly: Made with easily available and affordable ingredients, this chili won’t break the bank.
- Customizable Heat: Whether you enjoy a mild warmth or a fiery kick, you can adjust the spices to your preference.
- Rich in Fiber: Thanks to ingredients like black beans and kidney beans, this chili is a fantastic source of dietary fiber, keeping you full for longer.
- Easily Doubled or Halved: Whether you’re cooking for two or ten, this crock pot vegetarian chili recipe can easily be adjusted to fit your needs.
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: With no added sugars, this dish offers natural sweetness from ingredients like bell peppers and tomatoes.
🗒️ Ingredients and Substitutes
Pinto and Kidney Beans: These two types of beans are the protein powerhouses of your chili. They not only add a hearty texture but are also rich in fiber, keeping you satisfied for hours. If you’re not a fan or don’t have these on hand, black beans or chickpeas can be a great substitute. It’s also good to note that I don’t drain or rinse canned beans when I add them to chili as the liquid adds great flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide a tangy base for the chili. You can opt for fresh ones when they’re in season, but canned versions work really well. If you want a slightly different flavor, crushed tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes can also be used.
Corn: Whether you use frozen, fresh, or canned, corn adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the flavors. Plus, they offer a delightful crunchy texture. No corn? Green peas or diced carrots could be a unique alternative with a hint of sweetness.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These veggies add depth to the chili’s flavor profile. The onion‘s natural sugars caramelize during slow cooking, adding sweetness, while bell pepper provides a mild, almost fruity taste. Feel free to mix and match with green, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers.
Garlic: An essential for many, garlic infuses the chili with a robust and aromatic flavor. If you’re out of fresh cloves, garlic powder can be a quick substitute, though the fresh variant is always recommended for the best flavor.
Vegetable Stock: While vegetable broth enhances the chili’s richness, plain water can be used if you’re aiming for a lighter taste. Consider homemade stock or a low-sodium store-bought version to control the salt content.
Spices: Cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and garlic powder blend harmoniously to give the chili its signature warmth. If you’re missing any, try experimenting with what you have – chili is forgiving! And for those who like it hot, a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder can turn up the heat.
Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty touch. Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch. Lemon juice is a good substitution if you don’t have fresh lime on hand.
🥣 How to Make Slow Cooker Veggie Chili
- In your slow cooker, start by adding the beans, followed by the tomatoes, corn, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Add the vegetable stock or water. This will provide the necessary moisture for slow cooking and melding the flavors together. If you’re using stock, opt for low-sodium versions to control the saltiness.
- Sprinkle in your salt, cumin, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and like a little kick, add that optional pinch of cayenne pepper. Remember, you can always adjust later, so start with less if you’re unsure.
- Once everything’s in, give it a good stir to ensure all ingredients are well-mixed. Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to high if you’re aiming for a 2-3 hour cook time, or low if you’re going for a 5-6 hour simmer.
- After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the lid. Stir in the lime juice for that zesty punch, and do a taste test. If you feel it needs more salt or any other spice, now’s the time to adjust.
- Your slow cooker vegetarian chili is now ready to be devoured. Ladle it into bowls, garnish as you please, and dive into the delicious warmth.
🥑 Topping Ideas
Toppings can transform your bowl of chili from great to absolutely extraordinary. Here are some topping ideas to elevate your chili experience:
- Cheese: Whether you prefer a sharp cheddar cheese, a mellow Monterey Jack, or even some crumbled feta, cheese adds a delightful creaminess. For our vegan friends, there are plenty of vegan cheese options out there that melt beautifully on a hot bowl of chili.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt can balance out the warmth of the chili, adding a creamy texture. Vegans can opt for dairy-free alternatives like vegan sour cream, coconut yogurt, or even a drizzle of cashew cream.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro or green onions can bring a burst of freshness. Not a cilantro fan? Parsley is a great substitute that offers a mild, herby touch.
- Avocado: Creamy avocado slices or a scoop of guacamole can add a rich, buttery dimension. Plus, it’s a fantastic source of healthy fats!
- Add Some Crunch: Tortilla chips, crackers, or even a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) can give your chili that crave-worthy crunch.
- Hot Sauce or Jalapenos: For those who like it spicy, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some sliced jalapenos can kick up the heat.
Don’t limit yourself to these suggestions! Mix and match or come up with your own unique combinations. After all, making it your own is half the fun!
🥡 How to Store Crockpot Vegetarian Chili
Storing Your Vegan Chili
Once cooled, transfer your chili to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. If you’re looking for a more extended storage option, consider freezing the chili. In freezer-safe bags or containers, it can last up to 3 months. Remember to label the containers with the date, so you always know how fresh your chili is.
Reheating
When it’s time to revisit the comforting flavors of your chili, you’ve got a few reheating options. For a quick method, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If you’re not in a rush, you can also reheat your chili on the stovetop. Pour it into a pot, and over medium heat, let it simmer until it’s warmed throughout. This method might even deepen the flavors a bit, as the ingredients get another chance to mingle. If you’ve frozen your chili, it’s best to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
A Quick Tip for Freshness
When you reheat your chili, you may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to get back to its original consistency. Over time, the beans and veggies can absorb the liquid, making it thicker. And just like when you first made it, a quick taste test after reheating will let you adjust any seasonings if needed. A sprinkle of salt, a dash of cumin, or even a squeeze of fresh lime can rejuvenate those flavors beautifully.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply sauté the onions, bell pepper, and garlic in a large pot until softened, then add the other ingredients and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until all flavors meld together.
I’m vegan. What can I use as toppings?
There are plenty of vegan-friendly toppings to choose from, like vegan cheese, avocado slices, vegan sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
How many calories are in a serving of chili?
Calories can vary based on exact measurements and specific products used. However, a general estimate would be around 100 calories per serving without additional toppings.
Can I add other vegetables to this chili?
Of course! Feel free to throw in veggies like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or celery for added nutrition and texture.
🌶️ More Delicious Chili Recipes
Instant Pot Millet and Pinto Bean Chili
Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients
- 2 15.5-ounce cans pinto beans
- 1 15.5-ounce can kidney beans
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 12 ounces frozen corn or fresh, or canned
- 1 white or yellow onion diced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup vegetable stock or water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds or 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of cayenne pepper optional, add if you want a touch of spice
- 1 teaspoon lime juice fresh or bottled
Instructions
- To a slow cooker, add the beans, tomatoes, corn, onion, bell pepper, garlic, stock or water, salt, cumin, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).
- Stir well.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker, then set it to high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- Uncover, then stir in the lime juice.
- Taste and add more salt as needed.
- Serve and enjoy!
If using reconstituted beans DON”T ADD SALT until the very end (use low/no sodium ingredients) unless you want a hard bean. This is where every bean recipe goes wrong.
Awesome recipe! I love the fact that the ingredients are budget-friendly. I’ll make it again for sure😊
I have a lime tree so of course I used lots of fresh lime. SO yummy. I love how easy this is to put together with the canned beans and frozen corn. Great healthy and hearty dinner.
This had amazing flavor and was really easy to make! Adding it to my regular rotation this winter.
I love my chili a little bit thick so I followed your tip with the cornstarch and it turned out perfectly the way I want it!
Tried this on my meat-loving husband who’s usually skeptical about vegetarian dishes but loves all things chili. He asked for seconds. So it’s a win!
This was our first cool and dreary Monday of the season so I pulled out the slow cooker and made this chili. Even though I’d never tried this recipe, I chanced it and made a bit extra so we’d have plenty left over for lunch this week. I am so glad I did because this chili is absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to eat it again tomorrow!