Vegetable Chili
Vegetable Chili – this recipe for meatless vegetable chili is hearty, spicy and full of beans and veggies. Make it truly vegetarian with a vegetable stock.
You know how many times I’ve said BeeBop is a real meat-and-potatoes man, right? Which is why I never in a million years would have thought that he’d go for this chili.
It’s vegetable chili. Not an ounce of meat in sight. Really. And, believe it or not, it’s one of his favorites!
This is another of those time-tested recipes that I fall back on over and over again. I don’t call it vegetarian chili because I do use beef stock in it, but you could substitute vegetable stock if you really wanted to take it to that level.
We don’t tend to do much meatless around here so we keep the beef stock. Do what you like I always say.
How to Make Vegetable Chili
Before you start, go ahead and get all your chopping and dicing and mincing done.
Here’s a little tip for you: see the small cutting board in the photo? That’s one I use only for onions, garlic and hot peppers. Keeps those flavors off the big all-purpose board so they don’t get into something like, for instance, a pie crust.
Place a large dutch oven or stock pot on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, onion, green bell pepper, carrots and garlic to the pan and sauté until crisp-tender.
Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, jalapeno and Tabasco.
Next, add in the spices. And, don’t be afraid of adding cinnamon to your chili. I know most people associate the taste of cinnamon with sweets, but on its own cinnamon is quite savory. It really adds a little something-something in the background of your chili.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for approximately 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Ladle the chili into serving bowls and top with garnishes as desired. Suggested garnishes: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro and finely chopped green onion.
Makes about 9 cups of chili.
🧾 More Recipes You’ll Like
- Black Bean Chili
- Chili Verde
- White Chicken Chili
- Not Texas Chili
- White Bean Turkey Chili
- Quick and Easy Chili
Questions? I’m happy to help!
If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!
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Vegetable Chili
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 14.5 ounces canned kidney beans drained
- 14.5 ounces canned pinto beans drained
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 jalapeno seeded and chopped finely
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Place a large dutch oven or stock pot on medium-high heat.
- Add the olive oil, onion, green bell pepper, carrots and garlic to the pan and sauté until crisp-tender.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for approximately 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle chili into serving bowls and top with garnishes as desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
I’m sure I’d be hounded out of Texas if I ever showed my face there, but I really prefer my chili with plenty of beans and vegetarian-style. Good for you and BeeBop too!
This really does sound tasty & healthy.
I bet nobody would even miss the meat.
You’re right, Teri. Actually the beans more than make up for the meat. And you could even add more beans if you wanted to.
Perfect for fall! Love this recipe!
I’m eating healthy, so thank you for a wonderful recipe for chili. I’ve been eating more chicken and vegetable meals.
Joe Ann – This is is quite healthy. It’s actually a recipe from way, way back when I used to follow a diabetic exchange based plan. A serving counts as 2 veg, 1 bread and 1 meat – if anyone still counts that way :-)
great chili here, all the robust taste you need in a hardy bowl – one of my favorite chili is a meatless, bean base chili and you got it all going on here…
Love a good ol’ spicy chili. I usually make the same version with the addition of soyrizo (tofu and TVP). It’s absolutely delicious!
Can you believe I’ve never tried either tofu or TVP? When we want a meaty chili we just use the standard hamburger (sorry Texans). This is for days when we want something lighter :-)
What a perfect dish for these chilly days! I wish I had a bowl right now…
Also perfect leftovers for the next day’s lunch. The flavors really deepen when they sit for a while.
That looks great. I love chili.
Yummy! LOVE chili, it warms my hear as well as my tummy! This looks great!
Thanks, Wendy. It’s a nice change from the usual beef chili.