Vegetarian Chili
Hearty and flavorful vegetarian chili packed with beans, vegetables, and spices—perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, meal prep, and healthy comfort food.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Main Dish, Soup
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 6 people
Calories 280 kcal
▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil ▢ 1 large onion, diced ▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced ▢ 1 red bell pepper, diced ▢ 1 green bell pepper, diced ▢ 2 medium carrots, diced ▢ 2 stalks celery, diced ▢ 1 zucchini, diced ▢ 1.5 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen) ▢ 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained ▢ 1 15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained ▢ 1 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained ▢ 2 15 oz cans crushed tomatoes ▢ 2 tablespoons tomato paste ▢ 2 cups vegetable broth ▢ 2 tablespoons chili powder ▢ 1 teaspoon ground cumin ▢ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ▢ 0.5 teaspoon ground oregano ▢ 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) ▢ to taste salt and black pepper ▢ for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add diced bell peppers, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 7 minutes.
Stir in corn, black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Bring chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more broth if chili is too thick or simmer longer if too thin.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. Enjoy with toppings like sour cream, cheese, or avocado if desired.
Serving: 1.5 people Calories: 280 kcal Carbohydrates: 42 g Protein: 12 g Fat: 8 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Sodium: 550 mg Fiber: 12 g Sugar: 8 g
Keyword Budget-Friendly Recipes, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Healthy Comfort Food, High Protein Meals, Meal Prep Microwave Lunches, Vegetarian Chili