The Best Hearty Vegan Chili

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Deeply spiced bean and vegetable stew with smoky paprika, perfect for chilly evenings. This soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs (14 oz) can Diced tomatoes, (15 oz) can Kidney beans, (15 oz) can Black 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 1 medium onion and 2 medium carrots into 1/4-inch pieces. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and carrots, stirring for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, 1 (15 oz) can black beans, and 2 cups vegetable broth.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Hearty Vegan Chili take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 The Best Hearty 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 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in The Best Hearty 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 The Best Hearty 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 should I serve with The Best Hearty Vegan Chili?

A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.

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