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
Jeanine says
Now this looks delicious. Perfect for Fall, which is my favorite time of year for cooking. i love making Fall dinners. So does my husband he would love this.
Sarah | Well and Full says
Summer may not be technically over but I’m ready for the cooler weather! Fall is my absolute favorite season, I love the hikes and the changing leaves and the hot chai teas. 😀
Toni Dash says
I agree completely Sarah! I put cold weather plants in pots on my front porch yesterday and when just going out to water them found again it’s a chilly morning. So happy!
Michelle @ My Gluten-free Kitchen says
My husband loves chili, but I always make the same recipe. This one looks amazing. I love the “secret ingredient”!
Crystal says
It’s hard to feel like it’s still summer when you’re back to bedtimes and homework routines. I am getting excited about the coming of fall and warm meals.
Felicia says
I love slow cooker meals because they are so convenient. This recipe sounds amazing.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
What a great recipe. Perfect for the fall weather coming.
Travel Blogger says
Oh my gosh that chili looks divine, I love how thick and hearty it is.
Marina says
Thanks for sharing this! I have friends that are vegetarian and I’m always looking for new recipes to cook when we have them over. I’ll be giving this a try soon!
Liz Mays says
Oh I have to try this. I make my chili vegetarian too so this would be a perfect recipe for me.
Laura Gregory says
Another one for the books. Looks so amazing…great for camping.