Actually, the Best Vegetarian Chili Recipe Ever

For years and years, my healthy turkey chili has been one of the most popular recipes on Ambitious Kitchen and for good reason. It’s cozy, hearty, flavorful and perfect for game day.

This year, I wanted to bring you both a vegan and vegetarian chili recipe that was just as delicious, full of feel-good veggies, plant based protein, and of course, as crave-worthy without the meat. In an effort to eat more (and bring you more) plant based meals, I’ve already made it a few times this year and Tony loves it.

We had the leftovers over tortilla chips with some cheese for a game day chili nachos and it was fabulous. Another way to enjoy it? Over roasted sweet potatoes, then top it with cheese, avocado and hot sauce. SO GOOD and an awesome way to reinvent leftovers.

Ingredients in homemade vegetarian chili

This incredible vegetarian chili recipe is made with super simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen and pantry. There’s no meat or dairy, making it vegan too! All you need are a few cans of beans (I love kidney beans in my chili), veggies, spices and crushed tomatoes. To make this plant based chili you’ll need:

• Veggies: we’re adding onion, carrot, bell pepper, sweet potato and corn for the perfect mix of hearty veggies.
• Garlic: always want to add garlic for delicious flavor.
• Green chiles: you’ll need a can of mild green chiles for a mild kick of spice.
• The perfect chili spice blend: chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika & cayenne pepper
• Crushed tomatoes: the base of the vegetarian chili is made with crushed tomatoes.
• Vegetarian broth: feel free to use vegetarian broth or water to perfectly thin out the chili a bit.
• Beans: we’re using both black beans & kidney beans for a delicious boost of plant-based protein in this chili recipe.

I love topping this easy vegetarian chili with tortilla chips, a squeeze of lime juice, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or greek yogurt. If you like a little more heat (like I do) I recommend a few jalapeño slices, too! Feel free to customize your toppings to your heart’s content and use a vegan cheese + yogurt or sour cream to keep this recipe vegan.

How to make vegetarian chili from scratch

1. Place oil in a large pot and place over medium high heat. Add in garlic, onion, diced carrot, red bell pepper, cubed sweet potatoes and green chiles; saute for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Next add in chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper; stir for about 30 seconds.
3. Finally add in crushed tomatoes, broth/water, black beans, kidney beans and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until chili thickens and flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary.
4. Garnish with anything you’d like and serve!

How to make the best vegetarian chili in the slow cooker

This easy vegetarian chili recipe can easily be made on the stovetop or in your slow cooker, which makes it perfect for entertaining.

If you’re using your slow cooker, simply add all of your ingredients to your slow cooker, but reduce the broth/water and use only ¼ cup of broth total instead of 3/4 cup. Then cook the vegetarian chili on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until it’s nice and thick.

How to store and reheat vegetarian chili

1. In the refrigerator: this plant based chili will stay good in your fridge for about 1 week. Once your chili is completely cooled, just place it in an airtight container (or multiple, if you’d like to meal prep it) without the additional toppings and place it in the fridge. To reheat it, simply do so in the microwave with a microwave safe bowl, or feel free to reheat it on the stovetop. Add your toppings once you’re ready to serve!
2. In the freezer: can you freeze vegetarian chili? YES! Follow the instructions above, but instead of placing the chili in the refrigerator just put it in your freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the vegetarian chili overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

What to serve with this vegetarian chili recipe

Feel free to serve this chili with tortilla chips and homemade pumpkin cornbread or my gluten free cornbread muffins. They’re both delicious for dipping! If you’re making this for game day here are a few more recipes that will pair perfectly with this recipe:

Tortilla Chip-Crusted Baked Jalapeño Poppers

Easy + Cheesy Southwest Bean Dip

The Best Guacamole You’ll Ever Eat

Fresh & Healthy 7-Layer Dip

Vegetarian Plantain & Black Bean Taco Cups

I hope you enjoy our best ever vegetarian chili recipe. If you make it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe — I really appreciate it! xo.