Go Back
–+ servings
Overhead view of classic vegan chili with beans, corn, and cilantro in a black cast iron pot

Classic Vegan Chili

4.60 from 15 votes
This classic vegan chili is a hearty mix of beans, corn, and bell pepper simmered in a mildly spiced tomato base. It's easy enough for weeknight dinners and always a hit for casual company. Serves 6 to 8.
Print Pin Save
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 mL)
  • 2 medium onions finely chopped (about 320g)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (6g)
  • 1 large green bell pepper finely chopped (150g)
  • 4 cups cooked pinto or pink beans about 1 ⅔ cups dry, or two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed (680g)
  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (794g)
  • 1 ½ cups corn kernels cooked fresh or thawed frozen (225g)
  • 1-2 fresh hot chili peppers seeded and minced, or one 4-ounce can mild or hot chopped green chiles (113g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (1g)
  • 2-3 teaspoons chili powder good-quality, more or less to taste (5-7g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (2g)
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes, until the onions are softened and starting to turn golden.
  • Stir in the bell pepper, beans, crushed tomatoes, corn, chili peppers (or canned green chiles), oregano, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the chili looks too thick, stir in water a half cup at a time until it reaches a consistency you like — it should stay thick, not soupy.
  • Season with salt to taste and adjust the other seasonings as needed. If you have time, let the chili stand off the heat for about an hour to let the flavors meld, then reheat gently over low heat before serving in bowls.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 11gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 480mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 15mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.
QR Code linking back to recipe