Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili is a hearty answer to a meatless main dish. Spicy, tangy and satisfying with black beans, baked beans and more!
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Tangy Baked Beans is a flavor-packed recipe. Full of plant protein, this dish will leave you satisfied and not missing the meat!
Vegetarian Chili in the Slow Cooker
The secret to a hearty, filling chili actually is NOT the meat; and this vegetarian chili proves it!
A satisfying chunky texture, ample protein (it’s filling) and loads of great flavor create an unforgettable comfort food recipe everyone loves.
Why Make THIS Vegetarian Chili?
In addition to the variety of vegetables and great texture, using vegetarian tangy baked beans gives a whole new flavor to this vegetarian chili!
A little bit of unsweetened coconut milk also adds some creaminess and flavor to make it special.
Ingredients in this Vegetarian Chili
Don’t let the length of this ingredient list fool you; this vegetarian chili can be put together in less than 10 minutes!
- Olive Oil
- Yellow Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Red Sweet Pepper
- Yellow Sweet Pepper
- Celery Stalk
- Cumin
- Chili Powder
- Carrot
- can Vegetarian Baked Beans with liquid
- can Diced Tomatoes
- can Black Beans
- can Corn Kernels (frozen/thawed or fresh kernels may be substituted)
- Unsweetened Coconut Milk
- Kosher Salt to taste
Suggested Garnishes:
- lime zest
- chopped Italian parsley leaves (fresh)
- a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- grated cheddar cheese
Serve with this delicious Cornbread recipe!
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili is EASY
A great thing about this vegetarian chili recipe is most of the ingredients are already prepared for you.
The baked beans, black beans, tomatoes and corn are all canned. The spices just need to be measured out.
Vegetarian Chili Prep Shortcut
The only ingredients requiring preparation are the fresh vegetables.
Want a timesaving tip? Use a mini chopper. I use it whenever I can to save time from hand chopping.
The container can be washed in the dishwasher when done (always wash the blade my hand to keep it sharp!)
How to Make this Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili – Step by Step:
This slow cooker has one extra step before adding everything and turning it on. It makes all the difference!
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened (4 minutes).
- Add the celery, peppers, cumin and chili powder; continue to sauté an additional 3 minutes.
- Spoon the sautéed mixture into a 6-7 quart slow cooker.
- Add the remaining ingredients and cook on high for 7 hours.
- Serve with suggested garnishes or store sealed until serving. NOTE: maybe be made 1-2 days before serving).
Why Sauté the Vegetables First?
Taking a few minutes to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker develops more flavor and cuts the sharpness of the onions.
If you don’t have the time you can also add everything to the slow cooker and skip the sautéing.
Make Ahead Vegetarian Chili
As with most chili recipes, this vegetarian chili builds more flavor when made ahead of time.
Whether you choose to make it a day before serving, or enjoy leftovers a few days later, you’ll find it improves with time but is still great the day it is made.
More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love:
- Posole: a Shortcut Slow Cooker Mexican Stew Recipe
- Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Taco Meat (for a crowd)
- Pineapple Citrus Slow Cooker Carnitas & Carnitas Tacos
- Slow Cooker Caribbean Pot Roast
Recipe
Slow Cooker Tangy Baked Bean Chili {vegetarian}
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Yellow Onion , peeled and chopped
- 2 large Garlic Cloves , peeled and minced
- 1 medium Red Sweet Pepper , cored and chopped
- 1 medium Yellow Sweet Pepper , cored and chopped
- 1 medium Celery Stalk , scrubbed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 ½ tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 large Carrot , scrubbed or peeled with top and end removed, sliced in ¼ inch thick slices
- 1 28- ounce can Vegetarian Baked Beans with liquid
- 1 28- ounce can Diced Tomatoes , drained
- 1 15- ounce can Black Beans , rinsed and drained
- 1 15- ounce can Corn Kernels (frozen/thawed or fresh kernels may be substituted)
- ¾ cups Unsweetened Coconut Milk
- Kosher Salt to taste
Suggested Garnishes:
- lime zest
- chopped Italian parsley leaves (fresh)
- dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until it shimmers on top. Add the onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add the peppers, celery, cumin and chili powder. Continue to cook, stirring frequently for an additional 3 minutes.
- Spoon the vegetable mixture into the bottom of a 6-7 quart slow cooker.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Place the lid on the cooker and cook on HIGH for 7 hours.
- Serve or store sealed in the refrigerator until using (can be made 1-2 days beforehand to allow the flavors to blend).
Nutrition
Originally published: September 3, 2015
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Chili is one of my favorite winter meals. I can’t wait to try your recipe.
Dawn says
That looks so good. This is the type of vegetarian meal that’s really satisfying to me.
fabiola@notjustbaked says
Wow, I literally just drank coconut milk for the first time two days ago and I’m hooked. I’ve used the canned coconut milk for decades, but never the refrigerated kind! I love it, and this dish!
Catherine S says
This looks so yummy. We make chili at least once a month in the crock pot. I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Kare @ Kitchen Treaty says
Baked beans x veggie chili? I *love* this hybrid idea and I’m sort of annoyed I didn’t think of it first. 😉 Yum and perfect for fall … guess it’s time for me to embrace it!
Colleen Cayes says
I’m thinking of how good my kitchen will smell when my guests arrive! My sisters from CA and TN and several nieces and a nephew are coming next weekend. My perfect chance to make and share this. Proof that there are other reasons to make this – it looks soooo good! – beyond football.
Mary Pisarkiewicz says
I love baked beans and this dish look so flavorful! Can’t wait to try it!!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I’m plugging in the slow cooker now, this would be so comforting to have bubbling away on the counter!
Valerie says
I am not sure I have had vegetarian chili before but this looks amazing. I like the idea of using beans instead of meat!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
That chili is chock full of goodness and perfect for this time of year! While I’m anxious to embrace Fall, we are having a late summer heat wave here that is seriously interfering with my need for comfort food 😉
Toni Dash says
Us too Jennifer but as if right on cue, it’s foggy and chilly this morning!