Easy Vegetarian Chili
A hearty and flavorful vegetarian chili featuring black beans, white beans, crushed tomatoes, and spices, perfect for satisfying meatless meals and suitable for all chili lovers.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 15 oz. can white beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic, finely minced ⓘ
- 1 cup red onion, minced ⓘ
- 5 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- a large pinch cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 3 cans (14 1/2 oz.) crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. snipped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 8 Tbsp. sour cream ⓘ
- 8 Tbsp. grated cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except sour cream and cheddar cheese in a crock pot; stir to combine.
- Place on low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
- Alternatively, cook on high heat for 2 hours if pressed for time.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the garlic and onions before adding them to the crock pot. You can substitute the black and white beans with any other beans you have on hand, such as kidney or pinto beans. If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños. Fresh lime juice can also brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, topped with sour cream and grated cheddar cheese for a creamy finish. It pairs beautifully with Tortilla Triangle for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside cornbread or a fresh salad. This dish also works great as a filling for burritos or with nachos for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This chili also freezes well; portion it out and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Vegetarian Chili contains roughly 1386 calories, with 53g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (155% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2438mg per serving (106% 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 make this chili in advance?
Absolutely! This vegetarian chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve. It's perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this Easy Vegetarian Chili is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the canned beans and crushed tomatoes you use do not contain any added gluten ingredients. It's a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables to the chili?
Certainly! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to enhance the texture and flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the crock pot with the other ingredients for a heartier chili.
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).