Best 3 Bean Vegetarian Chili Recipe
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This 3 bean vegetarian chili has kidney beans, black beans, and Great Northern beans! Rich, hearty, and protein-packed, it’s the perfect easy but filling meal.
Who knew a ridiculously easy meatless chili can compete against the best damn chili recipe?
Despite being simple and plant-based, this comforting chili doesn’t skimp on flavor, thanks to its blend of robust herbs and seasonings.
You can even convert this vegetarian recipe into a high protein vegan chili with non-dairy cheese and sour cream as your toppings!
While a simple bowl of three-bean vegetarian chili is sure to warm you from the inside, vegan nachos and baked potatoes could always benefit from this thick and chunky chili.
Why You’ll Love This 3 Bean Vegetarian Chili Recipe
- The combination of beans, corn, lentils, and tomatoes makes this 3 bean vegetarian chili as satisfying and filling as classic chili with meat!
- This high-protein vegan chili is the perfect meal for busy, lazy, and hungry people! Everything is done in one pot, and since chili tastes better the next day, it’s meal-prep-friendly.
- This customizable and versatile vegan three bean chili will never bore you. Add different toppings to make every bowl of chili special, or use the leftovers as a side dish for other wholesome meals.
Ingredients And Substitutions
Olive oil – For cooking the savory and aromatic base of onion and garlic.
Onion – You can use any onion you like, but the sweetness of yellow onion complements the savory flavor of this three-bean vegetarian chili.
Garlic – This recipe uses garlic AND garlic salt for lots of flavor.
Chili seasoning – This versatile blend of seasonings will save you the hassle of needing to buy multiple seasonings if you don’t have them in your pantry.
Chili powder – If you’re looking for more heat, add diced jalapeno peppers and cayenne pepper to this hearty 3 bean vegetarian chili.
Dried basil – The herbs to add are completely up to you, but basil is an easy pick, especially with this tomato-based recipe.
Garlic salt – Salty, savory, and perfectly complements the earthy flavor of this dish.
Bay leaf – For depth of flavor.
Kidney beans – Must-have beans in any homemade chili!
Great Northern beans – This red chili recipe welcomes these nutty white beans.
Black beans – Their meaty flavor makes this high protein vegan chili as delicious and satisfying as regular chili.
Lentils – Another hearty addition to this plant-based chili recipe. The good news? You don’t have to pre-soak them!
Corn – For additional texture. Corn also adds a touch of sweetness to this tasty meal.
Diced tomatoes – Use fire-roasted tomatoes for the best flavor.
Tomato sauce – Feel free to use your favorite vegan tomato sauce.
Vegetable broth – You can use water, but broth adds more flavor to the chili.
Salt and black pepper – Don’t forget to season your 3 bean vegan chili to taste!
Non-dairy sour cream and shredded vegan cheddar cheese – These crowd-favorite chili toppings are simply hard to beat.
You can also add red and green bell peppers, carrots, and celery to give this meatless meal a variety of texture!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Storage Tips
Allow your leftover vegetarian chili to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s actually an ideal dish to reheat a day or two later because the flavors will have more time to meld together!
Drain the Beans and Corn
Drain the excess liquid from the canned beans and corn to prevent your 3 bean vegetarian chili from turning watery!
Add a Secret Ingredient
Wondering what you can add to homemade chili to make it unique? Add depth with beer or boost the dish’s flavor with cocoa powder.
High Protein Vegan Chili Recipe FAQs
How long does vegan chili last in the fridge?
Vegan chili can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze this 3 bean vegetarian chili?
Yes! Transfer the cooled chili into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently.
What to serve with high protein vegan chili?
Serve this three-bean chili with mashed potatoes, rice, sourdough bread, hotdogs, tortilla chips, avocado slices, or even just some fresh cilantro!
What kind of beans are best in chili?
Kidney beans are best for chili because they provide a rich, hearty texture. Black beans also hold up well if you like a chunkier chili, while the nutty flavor of Great Northern beans is perfect for white chili or chili made with green chilies.
What can you substitute for meat in chili?
Looking to add a meaty texture to your vegan chili? Crumbled tofu, walnuts, mushrooms, and TVP are great meat substitutes!
More Delicious Vegan Bean Recipes
- Vegan Bean and No Bacon Soup
- Green Bean Salad
- Vegan Baked Beans
- Vegan Black Bean Burger
- Quinoa Black Bean Salad
I found this recipe for Vegan Chili Cheese Dogs that I HAVE to try!
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3 Bean Vegetarian Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 can corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Non-dairy sour cream for topping
- Shredded vegan cheese for topping
Instructions
- In a pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the herbs, seasonings, beans, lentils, corn, and tomatoes.
- Add the tomato sauce.
- Pour in the broth and bring the chili to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with shredded vegan cheese and sour cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- Allow your leftover vegetarian chili to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s actually an ideal dish to reheat a day or two later because the flavors will have more time to meld together!
- Drain the excess liquid from the canned beans and corn to prevent your 3 bean vegetarian chili from turning watery!
- Wondering what you can add to homemade chili to make it unique? Add depth with beer or boost the dish’s flavor with cocoa powder.
Updated in May 2024 with new photos and minor recipe adjustments for improved quality. Enjoy!
Note: For slow cooker vegetarian chili, simply add the ingredients to a slow cooker, stir to combine, and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 8 hours.
