Vegetable Chili

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: Mexican

A hearty vegetable chili packed with beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Perfect for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal, this dish suits vegetarians and those seeking a comforting, spicy option. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cans beans (navy, garbanzo, pea, pinto, kidney or lima beans)
  • 1 can corn (no salt)
  • 1 cup onion
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chives
  • 1/2 cup scallions
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce (no salt)

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large skillet.
  2. Heat on medium heat for 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a heartier chili, feel free to add chopped bell peppers or zucchini. If you want extra heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. Canned beans can be swapped with dried beans; just be sure to soak and cook them beforehand. Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste, as spice levels can vary widely. This dish is also perfect for meal prep and can be adapted for vegan recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the vegetable chili hot, topped with fresh chives or scallions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad or a side of Guacamole Salad Or Dip for a complete meal. For an extra kick, a dollop of sour cream or avocado can enhance the dish's richness.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in individual portions. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Vegetable Chili contains roughly 1004 calories, with 45g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (202% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 850mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

1004 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 44.6g 89% DV
Total Fat 50.5g 65% DV
Carbs 148.3g 54% DV
Fiber 56.6g 100% DV
Sugar 10.7g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 849.5mg 37% DV
Potassium 4829.2mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 495.9mcg 55% DV
Vitamin C 43.6mg 48% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 use different types of beans in this chili?

Absolutely! You can mix and match any variety of canned beans you have on hand, such as black beans or kidney beans. Just ensure to rinse and drain them before adding to the chili. This flexibility allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this vegetable chili is perfect for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for several days and can be frozen for longer periods. Just portion it out in containers for easy grab-and-go meals during the week. Reheating is simple, ensuring you have a nutritious option ready at any time.

Can I add meat to this chili?

Certainly! If you prefer a meatier chili, you can add cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Just brown the meat in the skillet before adding the vegetables and beans. This will give the chili a hearty flavor while still allowing the vegetables to shine.

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).

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