Chili(Meatless)
A hearty and flavorful meatless chili packed with beans, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal, it features a rich tomato base with smoky chili powder and tender vegetables. Easy to prepare and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cups water, divided ⓘ
- 1 can (15 to 16 oz.) Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) navy beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 to 4 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook the chopped onion and green pepper in 1/2 cup water until tender.
- Add the rinsed and drained Great Northern beans, navy beans, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes to the saucepan.
- Stir in chili powder, salt, pepper, and the remaining water; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing garlic and adding a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them. To make this dish even heartier, feel free to incorporate other vegetables like corn or zucchini. This recipe is great for meal prep and can easily be adapted into other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast. It pairs beautifully with Hot Cheesy Potatoes or cornbread for a comforting meal. For a bit of crunch, consider serving with tortilla chips or a side salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili(Meatless) contains roughly 609 calories, with 23g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (236% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1463mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add other proteins to this meatless chili?
Absolutely! While this recipe is meatless, you can add some crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even lentils for extra protein. If you want to keep it vegan, just ensure any added ingredients are plant-based.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add additional chili powder or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for a fresh kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference by tasting as you go.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, rice, or a fresh green salad. For a delightful contrast, serve with Sweet Pickled Beans for a tangy crunch that complements the chili's flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).