THE BEST Vegetarian Chili Recipe (with Pinto and Black Beans)
This good-for-you Vegetarian Chili with savory vegetables, pinto beans, and black beans is balanced with a mix of sweetness and spice that's hearty, healthy, and satisfies your hunger and fuels your day.
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Keyword vegetarian chili
Prep Time 30 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour
Servings 8
Calories 267kcal
Ingredients
1tablespooncanola or avocado oil
1medium yellow onion, diced
2celery ribs, diced
1green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1carrot, diced
4garlic cloves, pressed, or minced
1jalapeño, half minced and half chopped
1teaspoonkosher salt, divided
2 ½tablespoonschili powder
1tablespooncumin
1teaspoondried oregano
¼teaspooncayenne pepper
128 ouncecanned fire-roasted tomatoes, with juice
1cupwater
215 ouncecans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
115 ouncecan black beans, rinsed and drained
⅓cupchopped cilantro
juice of 1 lime
shredded cheddar cheese
sour cream
chopped green onion
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottom saucepan or Dutch oven over medium. Add the onion, celery, bell peppers, carrot, garlic, the minced jalapeño, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, the rest of the kosher salt, and cayenne pepper, stir well so all of the vegetables are coated, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often so the spices don't burn. Add the tomatoes with their juices, and 1 cup water, bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until the broth reduces and thickens.
Add the rinsed and drained beans, corn, and chopped cilantro with the lime juice. Cook for 5-10 minutes for the beans to warm through and absorb the broth. Taste for seasoning and add more salt, if needed, and another pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Serve topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, the rest of the jalapeño, chopped green onion, and more cilantro.
Notes
Storage Tips
Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to five days.
For longer storage, freeze individual servings in freezer-safe containers or bags.
To reheat, just pop it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.