Hearty, Veggie-Packed Vegetarian Chili
I have been making this delicious vegetarian chili for years, and it never fails to satisfy. The combination of beans, vegetables, and spices creates a hearty, flavor-packed meal that my entire family loves. The best part is that it’s easy to make, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to enjoy a nutritious and delicious dinner.
Vegetarian Chili Recipe
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
6 servings

Ingredients
- 1. ¼ cup olive oil
- 2. 2 cups chopped onions
- 3. 2 medium red bell peppers, coarsely chopped
- 4. 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 5. 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 6. 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 7. 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 8. ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 9. 3 (15 ounce) cans black beans
- 10. 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 11. salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onions, red bell peppers, and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chili powder, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper and stir to combine.
- Add the black beans, tomato sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the chili hot. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 410mg
What are some common substitutions for meat in vegetarian chili?
Vegetarian chili is a delicious, hearty meal that is perfect for either a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting Sunday lunch. Meat is a common ingredient in chili, but it’s easy to make a delicious and satisfying vegetarian chili without it. So, what are some common substitutions for meat in vegetarian chili?
One of the most popular meat alternatives for vegetarian chili is beans. Beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them a great choice for a vegetarian chili. For example, black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are all excellent options. You can also add other legumes, such as chickpeas or lentils, for even more protein and fiber.
Another popular meat alternative for vegetarian chili is mushrooms. Mushrooms are a great way to add a hearty texture and umami flavor to a vegetarian chili. You can use any type of mushroom, but some of the most popular varieties are button mushrooms, portobellos, and shiitake mushrooms.
If you’re looking for a more creative way to substitute meat in your vegetarian chili, you can also try adding nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, will add texture and flavor to your chili.
Finally, you can also use textured vegetable protein (TVP) as a substitution for meat in vegetarian chili. TVP is made from soy and is high in protein, so it’s a great way to add substance to your vegetarian chili.
No matter which type of meat alternative you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying vegetarian chili. So, next time you’re looking for a meatless meal, try adding one of these meat alternatives to your vegetarian chili for a delicious, hearty meal.
What are the health benefits of a vegetarian chili diet?
The vegetarian chili diet has become a popular health trend in recent years. With its focus on plant-based ingredients, this diet offers a number of potential health benefits. Here is a closer look at some of the health benefits associated with a vegetarian chili diet:
- Weight Loss: A vegetarian chili diet can help you lose weight. By replacing meat with plant-based ingredients, you reduce the amount of calories and saturated fat in your diet. This can lead to healthy weight loss over time.
- Reduced Cholesterol: A vegetarian chili diet is rich in fiber and plant-based proteins, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating a diet rich in fiber can also reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Improved Digestion: Vegetarian chili is full of fiber, which helps to improve digestion. The fiber in a vegetarian chili diet can help keep your digestive system running smoothly and reduce the risk of constipation.
- Increased Energy: Eating a vegetarian chili diet can give you a boost of energy throughout the day. This is due to the fact that plant-based ingredients are full of essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for energy production.
- Reduced Risk of Disease: Eating a vegetarian chili diet can reduce your risk of certain diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. This is because plant-based ingredients are rich in antioxidants, which can help fight off disease-causing free radicals.
Overall, the vegetarian chili diet can offer a number of health benefits. By swapping out meat for plant-based ingredients, you can enjoy the health benefits of a vegetarian chili diet while still enjoying a delicious meal.
How do you make vegetarian chili with a mexican-style flavor?
Making vegetarian chili with a Mexican-style flavor is a delicious way to enjoy a traditional chili dish without using any meat. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 2 onions, chopped.
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped.
- 2 bell peppers, chopped.
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped.
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon of cumin.
- 1 teaspoon of oregano.
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- 2 cans of black beans.
- 2 cans of kidney beans.
- 2 cans of diced tomatoes.
- 1 can of corn.
- 1 cup of vegetable broth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic and cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers and jalapenos and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
What are some alternative toppings for vegetarian chili?
Vegetarian chili is a hearty and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. But sometimes you may want to mix things up and explore alternative toppings to liven up this classic dish. Fortunately, there are a variety of options available that can turn your vegetarian chili into a flavorful and exciting meal.
One topping that pairs wonderfully with vegetarian chili is a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream. The cool, tangy flavor adds a delicious richness to the chili and helps to balance out the spicier flavors. You can also try a dollop of guacamole for a unique twist. The creamy texture and mild flavor of the guacamole complements the spicy chili perfectly.
Cheese is another popular topping for chili, and it works especially well with vegetarian chili. Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled feta cheese, or a sprinkle of Parmesan will all add a delicious cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
If you want a topping that is a bit more unique, try some diced mango or pineapple. The sweet and slightly tart flavor of the fruit provides a pleasant contrast to the spicy chili. It also adds a bright and beautiful color to the dish.
Finally, don’t forget about the garnishes. Chopped fresh cilantro, chives, scallions, and diced tomatoes can all be added to the top of your vegetarian chili to add more flavor and texture.
So next time you make vegetarian chili, try out some of these alternative toppings. Whether you opt for something classic like cheese or something more unexpected like mango, you’re sure to enjoy the delicious flavors and textures.
What are some creative ways to serve vegetarian chili?
Vegetarian chili is a tasty and versatile dish that can be enjoyed year round. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to warm up the chilly winter nights or a light and flavorful dish to enjoy in the summer, vegetarian chili has something to offer. But if you’re looking to switch up the traditional chili recipe, here are some creative ways to serve vegetarian chili.
- Chili Enchiladas: For a Mexican twist on vegetarian chili, try making chili enchiladas. Simply fill corn tortillas with your favorite vegetarian chili and top with cheese, salsa, and other toppings of your choice. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and serve with a side of guacamole and sour cream
- Chili Mac and Cheese: For a comforting, comfort food dinner, try making chili mac and cheese. Cook macaroni noodles according to package directions and set aside. In a separate pan, heat up a pot of vegetarian chili and stir in the macaroni noodles. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
- Chili Pizza: For a unique way to enjoy vegetarian chili, try making chili pizza. Spread a thin layer of pizza dough on a baking sheet and spread your favorite vegetarian chili on top. Sprinkle with cheese, black olives, or other desired toppings and bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown
- Chili Quesadillas: For a quick and easy dinner, try making chili quesadillas. Fill a flour tortilla with vegetarian chili and top with cheese. Fold the tortilla in half, heat in a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown on both sides. Serve with sour cream and salsa
Vegetarian chili is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a unique dish to serve at a party, these creative ways to serve vegetarian chili are sure to satisfy.