Vegetable Chili Con Carne
A hearty vegetable chili con carne packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and warm spices, perfect for comforting, meatless dinners or family gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can tomatoes in puree ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups cooked kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 or more jalapeno peppers chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup diced green peppers ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup corn kernels ⓘ
- 5 teaspoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 5 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oregano leaves crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large heavy skillet, sauté onion and garlic in oil until vegetables are soft.
- Add lean ground beef and brown the meat.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add tomatoes and pureed tomatoes along with all seasonings; heat until bubbly.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer the chili for about 30 minutes.
- Add kidney beans, jalapeno peppers, green peppers, carrots, and celery.
- Simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes.
- Add corn kernels after ten minutes of simmering.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like tempeh. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of jalapenos. Using canned beans can save time, but if using dried, soak them overnight and cook until tender. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added creaminess. It also pairs beautifully with Joy'S Taco Salad for a fresh crunch. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and it can last up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Chili Con Carne contains roughly 787 calories, with 22g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (204% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (179% of the Daily Value), and iron (111% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2164mg per serving (94% 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?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a convenient meal later.
How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too watery, try simmering it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, adding a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) can help thicken it quickly.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more jalapenos or incorporate a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to increase the heat level. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice.
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).