Vegetable Bean Chili
A hearty and flavorful vegetable bean chili packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and bold spices. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering, it offers a balance of smoky, spicy, and savory notes, making it a versatile and nutritious dish for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced 1/4-inch thick ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
- 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) jar picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can chili beans (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- alfalfa sprouts (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart kettle or Dutch oven, sauté zucchini, green pepper, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in oil until tender.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, picante sauce, beef bouillon, and ground cumin; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add garbanzo beans, chili beans, and sliced ripe olives; heat through.
- Garnish with shredded Cheddar cheese and alfalfa sprouts, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. If you prefer a spicier chili, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste. You can substitute the garbanzo beans with black beans or kidney beans based on your preference. For a vegetarian version, ensure your bouillon is vegetable-based. This chili can also be easily customized with any leftover vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Vegetable Bean Chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Quick Taco Salad for a fresh contrast. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream can enhance the flavors. Enjoy it as a filling lunch or dinner, and don't hesitate to make it a part of your weekly meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience. For longer storage, consider freezing the chili in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Bean Chili contains roughly 435 calories, with 20g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1032mg per serving (45% 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 a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this chili in a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just add the cheese and garnishes right before serving.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives to Cheddar cheese, consider using Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice. Vegan cheese options are also available if you're avoiding dairy. You can even skip the cheese altogether for a lighter version, or top it with avocado slices for creaminess.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add heat to your Vegetable Bean Chili, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when cooking. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level according to your preference, keeping in mind that the heat can intensify as the chili simmers.
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).