Hearty Vegan Chili (30 Minute!)

A quick and easy (30 minute) Hearty Vegan Chili recipe that's thick, flavorful, and so satisfying. It's made with two types of beans and warm, cozy spices. Perfect cold weather comfort food! (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)

This easy vegan chili recipe is so satisfying! It combines hearty canned beans and vegetables in a thick and flavorful tomato broth with warm spices.

And it only takes 30 minutes to make. The leftovers are wonderful which makes it a great option for meal prep.

It's a tasty lunch or dinner, or simply when you're short on time.

Plus each serving has lots of fiber, nutrients, and about 16 grams of plant protein.

Ingredients for Vegan Chili

For this recipe you will simmer in a large pot:

• Yellow onion: Or you can use white onion or sweet onion if needed.
• Bell pepper: Any color will work (green, red, orange, or yellow).
• Fresh garlic cloves: Or you can use dried garlic powder instead.
• Black beans
• Kidney beans: Or substitute another can of black beans or pinto beans.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Either regular or fire-roasted work great. I also like petite diced for smaller pieces.
• Tomato paste
• Vegetable broth: Be sure to use low sodium broth if preferred.
• Chili powder: I use mild. If you are worried about the spiciness level in your chili powder, simply decrease from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon. Then slightly increase the other seasonings instead.
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano: Be sure your pantry spices are fresh (not expired) for best flavor.

Customizing

Add more vegetables: I also enjoy adding diced zucchini or other veggies like butternut squash, sweet potato, or sweet corn. Change it up how you see fit!

Make it spicy: This recipe is fairly mild as written (if using mild chili powder). So add cayenne pepper, chipotle in adobo sauce, a dash of dried chipotle powder, jalapeno, or hot sauce if you want to spice it up.

Make it "meaty": Add your favorite vegan ground beef crumbles for added texture if desired. Cook these separately according to package instructions. Then stir them into the pot towards the end of cook time. (You can either add them in place of one can of beans, or in addition to the two cans of beans.)

Serving

For added flavor and taste before serving, top your bowl of chili desired garnish. A few ideas include:

• Diced avocado (my favorite!)
• Fresh cilantro
• Green onions
• Vegan sour cream
• Crumbled tortilla chips
• Vegan cheese shreds
• Hot sauce

Tip: You can also serve this chili spooned over a baked potato! Or simply stir in some cooked brown rice or quinoa to your bowl before serving.

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. We find it keeps well for about 4-5 days.

Freezing note: Bean chili typically freezes great. After you cook your chili, be sure to let it cool completely. Then carefully transfer it to a freezer-safe sealed container. It should keep for about 2-3 months.

For more inspiration, also browse all vegan chili recipes or bean recipes.

Hearty Vegan Chili

A quick and easy vegan chili that is thick, flavorful, and satisfying! Made with two types of beans and warm spices.

5 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer

Course: Chili, Main Dish

Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan

Servings: 4

US CustomaryMetric

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion
• 1 red bell pepper (or green, yellow, orange)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 15 oz. can black beans
• 15 oz. can kidney beans
• 15 oz. can diced tomatoes (I use petite diced or fire-roasted)
• 6 oz. tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder (I use mild. Cut back if desired.*)
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. dried oregano

Toppings of choice (optional):

• Avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced green onion, vegan sour cream, vegan cheese, tortilla chips

Instructions

• Dice onion and bell pepper.
• In a large stockpot over medium heat, sauté onion and bell pepper in water/broth for about 8 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mince garlic. When onion is translucent, add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir and sauté 1 minute.
• Add vegetable broth, tomatoes with juice, and tomato paste. Bring to a light boil.
• Meanwhile, rinse and drain beans.
• Add beans, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
• Serve with toppings of choice.

Notes

*Chili powder: If you are worried about the spiciness level in your chili powder, simply decrease from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon. Then slightly increase the other seasonings instead.

Make it spicy: This recipe is mild/medium as written (if using mild chili powder) so add cayenne pepper, chipotle, jalapeno, or hot sauce if desired.

Beans: Any two cans of beans will work great with this recipe (kidney, black, or pinto).

Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

Nutrition Facts

Hearty Vegan Chili

Amount per Serving

Calories

282

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

2

g

3

%

Saturated Fat

 

1

g

6

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Potassium

 

1454

mg

42

%

Carbohydrates

 

55

g

18

%

Fiber

 

19

g

79

%

Sugar

 

13

g

14

%

Protein

 

16

g

32

%

Vitamin A

 

3407

IU

68

%

Vitamin C

 

64

mg

78

%

Calcium

 

157

mg

16

%

Iron

 

7

mg

39

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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If you are enjoying this 30 minute hearty vegan chili recipe, also check out:

• Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry
• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Portobello Mushroom & Broccoli Stir Fry

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