Hearty Vegetarian Chili with Kidney Beans and Spices
A warming, budget-friendly chili packed with kidney beans, seasonal vegetables, and smoky spices. This southwestern-inspired vegan (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.
Ingredients
- 15 oz kidney beans
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium bell pepper
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup cilantro
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 can diced tomato. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- 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.
- Step 4: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with a side of rice or cornbread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 40-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 40-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
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