"Hearty vegan chili in rustic bowl, garnished with cilantro and red onions, surrounded by fresh ingredients on wooden table."

One-Pot Hearty Vegan Chili

/ Vegan Recipes / By

One-Pot Hearty Vegan Chili

A protein-packed, flavorful comfort meal ready in under an hour

KEY INFO
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 6-8
  • Calories: 325 per serving
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Dietary: Vegan, Gluten-free, Nut-free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

*Note: A regular large pot works fine if you don’t have a Dutch oven*

INGREDIENTS
Base
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml) or vegetable broth for oil-free
  • 1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cans mixed beans (kidney, black, pinto), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
Seasonings
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
  1. Heat oil in pot over medium heat until shimmering
  2. Add onion and bell pepper, cook until softened (5-7 minutes)
  3. Stir in garlic and all seasonings, cook until fragrant (1 minute)
  4. Add beans, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to boil, then reduce to gentle simmer
  5. Cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally

Steaming pot filled with vibrant vegan chili simmering on a stove.

CRUCIAL TIPS
  • Don’t skip sautéing the vegetables – it builds essential flavor
  • Keep heat medium-low to prevent burning the spices
  • Taste and adjust seasonings at the end
  • Add broth if mixture gets too thick
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
  • Keeps refrigerated for 4 days
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months
  • For thicker chili: mash some beans against pot side
  • Spicier version: double the cayenne
  • Protein boost: add crumbled tempeh or vegan ground meat
Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Rushing the initial vegetable sauté
  • Adding all seasonings at once
  • Cooking at too high heat
  • Not stirring occasionally

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality vegan chili that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The key is layering flavors and giving it time to simmer – trust me, your patience will be rewarded with deep, complex flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.