Hearty Vegetarian Chili with Kidney Beans and Spices

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warming, budget-friendly chili packed with kidney beans, seasonal vegetables, and smoky spices. This southwestern-inspired vegan ready in about 55 minutes pairs kidney beans, medium onion, medium bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Southwestern cuisine 360 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 can diced tomato. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add rinsed 15 oz kidney beans and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until beans are tender.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with a side of rice or cornbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Vegetarian Chili with Kidney Beans and Spices take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Hearty Vegetarian Chili with Kidney Beans and Spices?

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 kidney beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Vegetarian Chili with Kidney Beans and Spices?

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 Hearty Vegetarian Chili with Kidney Beans and Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Hearty Vegetarian Chili with Kidney Beans and Spices vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes