Easy Crockpot Chili
This easy crockpot vegetarian chili recipe is a winner because it tastes delicious and is also super simple to make. It uses ingredients you probably already
have in your pantry and it's also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. You can easily make this recipe on the stovetop as well. This hearty slow cooker three-bean vegetarian chili is packed with vegetables and beans. It's an ideal dump-and-go slow cooker recipe. This one-pot vegetarian, vegan slow cooker dinner is a recipe you'll want to make time and time again.
Making Vegetarian Chili
This slow cooker vegan chili is a hands-off recipe once the vegetables and other ingredients are added to the crockpot. The slow cooking time helps the vegetables get tender, and allows all the flavors and spices to blend. Slow cooker recipes are basically one-pot meals, which means less cleanup. This recipe makes a lot of chili, making it perfect for feeding a group, entertaining, or to freeze for another day. Homemade three-bean slow cooker vegan chili can be kept in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days. This recipe also freezes well, and can be kept in a sealed freezer-friendly container for up to 2-3 months. It can be made ahead of time, which is ideal for meal prep on busy weeks.
Serving Suggestions
Chili is best with toppings, so load up on hot sauce, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeno, avocado, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, or chips. You can turn your chili into chili mac by mixing it with cooked pasta and cheese, either vegan or traditional. Leftover chili can be used as a burrito filling or taco filling. Serve with crusty bread or sweet potato muffins. Enjoy a side salad like creamy cabbage slaw, Mexican slaw, or a simple salad with chipotle honey salad dressing or balsamic vinaigrette. Check out the roundup for a full list of favorite easy chili sides.
Ingredient Swaps
You can use any color or mix of bell peppers you like for this recipe. If you don't have fire-roasted tomatoes, regular diced tomatoes are fine. Any beans can be used, including canned black, pinto, white, or chickpeas. This is a mild chili. If you want a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper along with the other ingredients, and stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce at the end. For a slow cooker chili with more protein, try a crockpot ground turkey chili or a classic beef chili with beans. You can also use red onion, or skip it if you don't like onions. Any color of bell pepper will work. Carrots add a lovely sweetness. Celery adds depth, but can be omitted. Look for no-sugar-added tomato sauce. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for smokiness, or regular diced tomatoes. A mix of black, pinto, and kidney beans can be used, but feel free to use what you have. Kosher salt can be adjusted if using table salt. Ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika all add lots of flavor. Fresh lime juice is a must.
