Hearty Veggie Chili Bowl

Featured in: Tex-Mex Homestyle

This hearty chili combines black and kidney beans with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrot, and corn, simmered in a rich tomato base. Seasoned with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and other spices, it offers a warming, layered flavor perfect for vegan and gluten-free diets. The dish is easy to prepare and comes together within 50 minutes, making it ideal for a nourishing main meal. Toppings like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices add bright, fresh notes.

Versatile and budget-friendly, this comforting bowl can be served with rice, tortilla chips, or bread. It keeps well in the fridge and freezes easily, perfect for meal prep. The combination of protein-packed beans and vibrant vegetables ensures satisfying nutrition in every serving.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:12:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of veggie chili topped with cilantro, ready for a comforting vegan meal. Save It
Steaming bowl of veggie chili topped with cilantro, ready for a comforting vegan meal. | zetluna.com

A hearty flavorful chili packed with beans corn tomatoes and warming spices. Perfect for a filling budget-friendly vegan and vegetarian meal.

I was craving something warm and satisfying during a chilly week and this veggie chili quickly became a go-to. Even my non-vegetarian friends rave about how full of flavor and texture it is!

Ingredients

  • Onion: 1 medium diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Red bell pepper: 1 diced
  • Green bell pepper: 1 diced
  • Carrot: 1 large diced
  • Corn kernels: 1 cup fresh frozen or canned and drained
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) drained and rinsed
  • Kidney beans: 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) drained and rinsed
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (15 oz / 425 g)
  • Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin: 2 teaspoons
  • Chili powder: 2 teaspoons
  • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground coriander: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon optional for heat
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon or to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Vegetable broth or water: 1 1/2 cups
  • Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro sliced green onions fresh lime wedges avocado slices

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrot. Sauté for 4 minutes until beginning to soften.
Add Peppers & Garlic:
Add garlic bell peppers and continue to cook for another 3 minutes.
Spice It Up:
Stir in the cumin chili powder smoked paprika coriander oregano cayenne salt and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute stirring until fragrant.
Combine Main Ingredients:
Add tomato paste diced tomatoes both beans corn and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
Simmer:
Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes stirring occasionally until thickened and vegetables are tender.
Final Taste:
Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
Serve:
Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
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We love making this chili as a family and topping our bowls with lots of avocado and lime. Everyone gets to add their favorite garnish and it always makes dinner extra fun.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy veggie chili with rice tortilla chips or crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Customize with toppings like sliced green onions or a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the flavors.

Allergen Info

Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Always check labels on canned beans and broth if you have severe sensitivities.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: Calories 320 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 55 g Protein 13 g

A close-up of a bubbling veggie chili, rich in color and thick with beans and vegetables. Save It
A close-up of a bubbling veggie chili, rich in color and thick with beans and vegetables. | zetluna.com

This veggie chili is flavorful satisfying and perfect for any weeknight. Make extra to freeze for quick lunches and cozy dinners anytime.

Common Questions About Recipes

What beans work best in this chili?

Black beans and kidney beans provide a hearty texture and balanced flavor, but pinto or cannellini beans can be great substitutes.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, the recipe uses chili powder and optional cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust cayenne or add a chipotle pepper for smokiness as desired.

How long should I simmer the chili?

Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld well.

What are some good toppings?

Chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, fresh lime wedges, and avocado slices add brightness and texture.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check canned goods for possible cross-contamination if highly sensitive.

Hearty Veggie Chili Bowl

A robust bowl of beans, vegetables, and spices for a wholesome, comforting main course.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
35 mins
Overall Time
50 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Tex-Mex Homestyle

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type American, Tex-Mex

Recipe Output 4 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Plant-Based, Lactose-Free, Free of Gluten

The Ingredients You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, diced
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 1 large carrot, diced
06 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)

Beans & Tomatoes

01 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
03 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
04 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 teaspoons ground cumin
03 2 teaspoons chili powder
04 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
06 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
08 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
09 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids

01 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water

Optional Toppings

01 Chopped cilantro
02 Sliced green onions
03 Fresh lime wedges
04 Avocado slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrot; sauté for 4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 02

Add Garlic and Peppers: Incorporate minced garlic and diced bell peppers; cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground coriander, dried oregano, optional cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant while stirring.

Step 04

Combine Main Ingredients: Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black and kidney beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Step 05

Simmer to Develop Flavor: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and vegetables are tender.

Step 06

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed before serving.

Step 07

Serve with Toppings: Serve hot with optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, fresh lime wedges, or avocado slices.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free; check canned products for possible cross-contamination if highly sensitive.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 320
  • Fats: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 55 grams
  • Proteins: 13 grams