Hearty Veggie Chili Dish

Featured in: Cozy Dinner Bowls

This hearty chili blends black and kidney beans with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onion, and corn, simmered in a savory mix of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. The dish offers rich flavors balanced by a mild heat and can be topped with lime, cilantro, or avocado for added freshness. Quick to prepare and naturally gluten-free, it suits vegan and vegetarian diets, making it a versatile and comforting main course.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT
Steaming, rich Veggie Chili garnished with fresh cilantro, ready to serve with lime wedges. Save to Pinterest
Steaming, rich Veggie Chili garnished with fresh cilantro, ready to serve with lime wedges. | lovelyserena.com

A hearty, flavorful chili packed with beans, corn, tomatoes, and warming spices. Perfect for a filling, budget-friendly, vegan and vegetarian meal.

Veggie chili was my go-to recipe as a new vegetarian, and it's still a weeknight favorite for its comforting flavors and simple preparation.

Ingredients

  • Onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Green bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Carrot: 1 large, diced
  • Corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz / 425 g), drained and rinsed
  • Kidney beans: 1 can (15 oz / 425 g), drained and rinsed
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (15 oz / 425 g)
  • Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin: 2 teaspoons
  • Chili powder: 2 teaspoons
  • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground coriander: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Vegetable broth or water: 1 1/2 cups
  • Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, fresh lime wedges, avocado slices

Instructions

Prepare vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrot, cooking for 4 minutes until starting to soften.
Cook peppers and garlic:
Add garlic, red and green bell peppers. Sauté for another 3 minutes.
Add spices:
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, coriander, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.
Combine beans and tomatoes:
Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Stir to thoroughly combine.
Simmer:
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and vegetables are tender.
Season and serve:
Taste, adjust salt or spices, and serve hot with choice of toppings.
A vibrant bowl of hearty Veggie Chili, perfect for a cozy, flavorful, vegan dinner. Save to Pinterest
A vibrant bowl of hearty Veggie Chili, perfect for a cozy, flavorful, vegan dinner. | lovelyserena.com

My family loves this chili topped with avocado slices and tortilla chips on cozy nights in.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy veggie chili with rice, tortilla chips, crusty bread, or your favorite toppings for a complete meal.

Storage & Freezing

Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days; freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Nutrition Information

Per serving: Calories: 320, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 13 g

Close-up shot showing the layers of delicious Veggie Chili, a comforting, spiced Tex-Mex dish. Save to Pinterest
Close-up shot showing the layers of delicious Veggie Chili, a comforting, spiced Tex-Mex dish. | lovelyserena.com

A bowl of this veggie chili always brightens winter nights. Serve it hot with all your favorite toppings!

Ask About This Recipe

What beans work best in this chili?

Black beans and kidney beans provide a rich, hearty texture and complement the vegetable base well.

Can I adjust the spice level in the chili?

Yes, you can reduce or omit cayenne pepper and chili powder or add chipotle pepper for smokier heat.

What toppings pair well with this chili?

Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, lime wedges, and avocado slices add brightness and creaminess.

How long does it take to cook?

Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and simmering for 25-30 minutes ensures tender vegetables and thickened flavors.

Is this chili suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check canned goods for any cross-contamination if sensitive.

Hearty Veggie Chili Dish

A robust chili with beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices for a nourishing vegan main dish.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American, Tex-Mex

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, diced
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 1 large carrot, diced
06 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)

Beans & Tomatoes

01 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
03 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
04 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 teaspoons ground cumin
03 2 teaspoons chili powder
04 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
06 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
08 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
09 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids

01 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water

Optional Toppings

01 Chopped cilantro
02 Sliced green onions
03 Fresh lime wedges
04 Avocado slices

How To Make It

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrot; sauté for 4 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 02

Add Garlic and Peppers: Incorporate minced garlic and diced bell peppers; continue cooking for 3 more minutes.

Step 03

Incorporate Spices: Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, coriander, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Step 04

Combine Beans and Liquids: Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly to blend ingredients.

Step 05

Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and vegetables are tender.

Step 06

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt or spices as desired. Serve hot with optional toppings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Check canned products for potential gluten contamination if highly sensitive.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Lipids: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 13 g