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Easy Vegetarian Chili

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overhead view of bowl of chili with toppings and spoon in bowl
This Easy Vegetarian Chili recipe is a hearty and comforting dish packed with beans, vegetables and bold, savory spices. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and you'll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy in the evening!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings:6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 brown onions
  • 4 cups diced bell pepper
  • 3 cups sweet potato, peeled and cut into a small dice
  • 2 cans kidney beans, drained
  • 2 cans black beans, drained
  • 1 28oz can fire roasted tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, salsa, shredded cheese and tortilla chips, to serve

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in the bottom of the slow cooker over a medium high heat if you have a sear-and-stew model, or in a large skillet or frying pan. Add the onions and bell peppers, and cook until the onions are just starting to soften.
  • Add the sweet potato, and continue to cook until the onions have some color on them, and the peppers and sweet potato have started to soften.
  • Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker if you’re using a different pan. 
  • Stir in the beans, tomatoes, cajun seasoning, tomato paste, cocoa powder, salt and spices. Wash the leftover tomato juices out of the can and add them to the chili with a scant 1/4 cup of water. (If you have vegetable broth open in the refrigerator, use that instead.)
  • Cook for 4 hours on high, or 6 hours on low. Check to see if more salt is needed before serving.

Notes

The beans: You can use your favorite combination of beans in the chili, but black eyed peas can sometimes go hard in the slow cooker so should be avoided.
Storage: This chili keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, and freezes well in portions for up to 3 months.
Gluten free: This recipe can easily be gluten free by simply checking the labels for your canned items and cajun seasoning. 

Nutrition

Calories: 503 kcal, Carbohydrates: 92 g, Protein: 28 g, Fat: 5 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g, Trans Fat: 0.01 g, Sodium: 847 mg, Potassium: 1699 mg, Fiber: 29 g, Sugar: 10 g, Vitamin A: 14492 IU, Vitamin C: 134 mg, Calcium: 131 mg, Iron: 9 mg
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
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