We know this 1-pot Vegan Chili recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s ideal when you want something filling, satisfying, flavorful, and fully customizable.
It is no secret in Latin America we are all about beans and stews! With no shame, I rise that flag! As vegans need to know your beans, pulses, chickpeas, and pulses. They constitute the healthiest source of proteins, but also the cheapest.
The dish is also versatile in that you can add ground firm tofu or tempeh as an extra protein source. Enjoy it on its own, as a filling for organic whole-grain tortillas, with organic rice or scooped up with sprouted chips. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients!
The versatility of legumes is endless, if you are into lentils, don't forget to try our 1-pot Creamy Red Lentil Curry, and the Holiday must Vegan Vegetable Casserole to see gourmet lentils in action!
They have earned their place at the center of the vast fall season recipes we develop every year.
Ingredients
This vegan bean chili recipe is made with very simple ingredients.
- Black beans
- Red bell pepper
- Onions
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Paprika
Optional: chilies, parsley, or cilantro.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
To make this vegetarian chili start by chopping the parsley (or cilantro),red bell pepper, tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
At high heat, stir fry the onions and garlic.
chopping tomatoes chop bell pepper stir fry onions and garlic
Add the bell peppers.
Stir in the sliced tomatoes.
Add the parsley, chili (if using)spices, beans, and one cup of water.
add tomatoes to saucepan
Remove the lid and stir. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, with the lid off.
Adjust the salt and serve the Best Vegan Chili!
Hint: this 1-pot Vegan Chili keeps well for days, I recommend doubling the quantities, if you need to meal-prep. It thaws easily in the microwave or saucepan.
Substitutions
Onions - use red, yellow, white, and even shallots, they all work.
Red Onion Red Onion shallots onion Onion
Bell pepper - use your choice of red, green, yellow, or orange bell pepper.
Red Peppers 
mixed red bell peppers mixed colorful peppers
Add more nutrition, flavor, and textures
- Add a dollop of plant "cheese" to each serving.
- Include some crumbled extra-firm tofu, while stir frying the onions.
- Mix in your favorite leafy greens.
- Sprinkle hemp seeds on top.
Garnishing
- Add sliced or cubed avocado .
- Sprinkle julienned green onion tops.
- Top with grated vegan cheddar cheese
- Whole-grain tortilla chips
- Additional cilantro
- Lime wedges
Variations
- Spicy - add diced 1–2 jalapeños to the chili while cooking.
- Deluxe - add homemade guacamole.
- Side - serve with boiled brown rice.
Equipment
How to serve
We love having our Vegan Chili, with the most delicious gluten-free cornbread and avocado dice, which is a family favorite. We eat it year-round.
We also like eating it with a plain bowl of well-steamed rice.
Storage
Store Vegan Chili leftovers in portions, if meal-prepping. That way you avoid reheating the chili multiple times.
This chili makes great leftovers. This Vegan Chili will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer-term storage. Reheat your vegetable chili in a saucepan and it’s good to go.
You can also serve this chili as a protein-rich topping on baked potatoes, or whole-grain nachos. If you are into burritos and quesadillas, use this chili as stuffing.
Top tip
If you plan to use this chili, as a snack, reduce the amount of water so it becomes thicker. You don't need to do this if you cook it beforehand because it will naturally dry up a bit.
If you are into 1-pot easy beans dishes, don't forget to check out the Vegan Kitchari Cleanse Ayurvedic recipe.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
Recipe: Vegan Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups pre-boiled or refried black beans oil-free, home-cooked
- 5 plum tomatoes medium ripe or 20 oz additives free tomato sauce
- 2 medium onions Red or White chopped, shallots
- ½ small red bell pepper chopped
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 1 ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 4 garlic cloves
Optional:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 small chilies optional, chopped
- 1 bunch cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Nutritional Yeast to top
Directions
- Chop the red bell pepper, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Deseed the chilies (if using).5 plum tomatoes medium ripe, 2 medium onions, ½ small red bell pepper, 4 garlic cloves
- At high heat, stir fry the onions and garlic for 3 minutes.2 medium onions, 4 garlic cloves
- Add the bell peppers and stir for 2 minutes.½ small red bell pepper
- Add the tomatoes and let them cook for 8 mins.5 plum tomatoes medium ripe
- Add the parsley, spices, chilies, beans, and one cup of water. Let it cook for 10 minutes with the lid on.2 cups pre-boiled or refried black beans, 2 tablespoons oregano, 1 ½ tablespoon ground cumin, 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 small chilies, 1 bunch cilantro
- Remove the lid and stir. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, with the lid off.
- Adjust the salt and serve.1 teaspoon salt
Video
Nutrition Facts
Food safety
We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Eliza Cross
What a tasty recipe! Now that the seasons are changing in Colorado, I'm looking for hearty recipes to make for my family and your vegan chili perfectly fits the bill. Love the combination of black beans, red pepper, tomatoes, onions and spices. Another winner!
Beth
This chili is so incredibly yummy. The whole family enjoyed it. I will be making it again soon!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
This is delicious - the perfect one pot dish! I love how tasty this is and so easy to make too!
Gus
Thank you so much Bintu for your review and feedback. We're glad to see that the recipe is a hit with you!
Tracy
Nothing beats a one pot meal! This is so flavorful and delicious that my meat loving husband didn't even miss the meat! Great recipe!
Gus
Thank you so much for your review Tracy! I'm happy to hear that this one pot meal was a hit with both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike.
Michele
This was so easy and delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Susan
Increíble. Nada como un buen Chili, la receta estrella para convencer a no veganos de convertirse.