One-Pot Vegetarian Chili

One-Pot Vegetarian Chili: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Food

When it comes to easy, satisfying meals, nothing beats a warm bowl of One-Pot Vegetarian Chili. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients, bold flavors, and a rich, hearty texture that makes every bite feel comforting. Plus, since it all comes together in a single pot, cleanup is a breeze! Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this meatless chili is a delicious, protein-packed option that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, this chili is incredibly easy to make—you don’t need any fancy techniques or special equipment. Simply sauté the aromatics, add the vegetables and beans, and let everything simmer until the flavors meld beautifully. Before you know it, you’ll have a thick, satisfying chili that’s bursting with smoky, savory goodness.

Even better, this recipe is loaded with plant-based protein and fiber, making it both nutritious and filling. With black beans, kidney beans, and a mix of fresh veggies, it’s a powerhouse of flavors and textures. Plus, you can easily customize the spice level to suit your taste!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly night or a hearty dish for game day, this chili has you covered. Serve it with cornbread, over rice, or simply enjoy it on its own. And because it’s even better the next day, leftovers make a fantastic, fuss-free lunch.

So, grab your pot and get ready to make the best vegetarian chili you’ve ever tasted. It’s warm, hearty, and so flavorful that even meat-lovers will ask for seconds! 🍲

Recipe Yield: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 ½ cup vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
One tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup frozen corn
2 bell peppers (red & yellow), diced
1 medium carrot, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
2 tsp cumin
1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp tomato paste
One tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp oregano
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Sauté the aromatics: First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add the vegetables and spices: Next, toss in the diced bell peppers and zucchini. Stir well to coat them evenly with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the spices to bloom and the vegetables to soften slightly.

3. Incorporate the beans and tomatoes: After that, pour in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly. Then, mix in the tomato paste to deepen the flavor.

4. Sweeten and balance the flavors: At this point, add the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar. Stir thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients meld together. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer so the flavors develop fully.

5. Simmer and develop richness: Now, reduce the heat to low-medium and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the flavors will intensify, and the chili will thicken slightly.

6. Stir in corn and fresh lime juice: Once the chili has thickened, add the frozen corn and allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes. Then, squeeze in the fresh lime juice and stir well to enhance brightness.

7. Finish with fresh cilantro and serve: Finally, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle beautifully.

Enjoy warm, topped with your favorite garnishes like avocado slices, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Sauté the Aromatics for Maximum Flavor: To build a deep, rich flavor, start by sautéing the onions until golden and caramelized before adding the garlic. As a result, the natural sweetness of the onions enhances the chili’s savory depth, making it taste like it has been slow-cooked for hours.
• Adjust the Spice Level to Your Taste: If you enjoy spicier chili, simply add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, swap the smoked paprika for sweet paprika and slightly reduce the chili powder. This way, you can easily control the heat level to match your preference.
• Let the Chili Rest Before Serving: After simmering, allow the chili to sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors fully meld together. Because of this short resting period, the seasonings will blend harmoniously, creating a richer and more well-balanced dish. For even better results, stir the chili once more before serving to distribute the flavors evenly.