Best-Kept Secret Vegan Chili
A rich, smoky chili packed with beans and vegetables that tastes like it simmered for hours, with no meat required. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs can diced tomatoes, can black beans, can kidney beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can black beans
- 15 oz can kidney beans
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz diced tomatoes (with juices), 15 oz black beans (rinsed), 15 oz kidney beans (rinsed), 4 oz diced green chiles, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 1/2 cup diced bell pepper. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best-Kept Secret Vegan Chili take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Best-Kept Secret Vegan Chili?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep can diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best-Kept Secret Vegan Chili?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Best-Kept Secret Vegan Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Best-Kept Secret Vegan Chili?
American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
