Slow Cooker Vegan Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker Vegan Chili Recipe

Cook Time: 310 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 yellow squash, chopped
  • 6 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce, or more if needed
  • 1 cup vegetable broth, or more if needed

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook and stir for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the onions begin to brown.
  2. Transfer the mixture into a slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, tomato paste, spinach, corn, zucchini, yellow squash, chili powder, cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined.
  3. Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated. If needed, add more tomato sauce or broth to reach the desired consistency.
  4. Set the slow cooker to Low and cook for 4 to 5 hours. After this time, check the seasoning. If the chili is too thick, add more tomato sauce and vegetable broth as needed. Continue cooking on Low for an additional 1 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value*
Calories 134
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Sodium 617mg 27%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 7g 26%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 6g 13%
Vitamin C 50mg 55%
Calcium 99mg 8%
Iron 4mg 24%
Potassium 665mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Slow Cooker Vegan Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker Vegan Chili

Author: Grete

Origin and History

Chili, as we know it today, is a dish with roots deeply embedded in Tex-Mex cuisine, a fusion of Texan and Mexican culinary traditions. The concept of chili con carne (chili with meat) dates back to the 18th century in Texas, where settlers and cowboys would cook meat and peppers over an open fire. This hearty dish eventually evolved into various regional versions, one of which is the vegan chili. The modern vegan chili, like the one cooked in a slow cooker, has become a popular alternative for vegetarians and vegans seeking the rich, comforting flavors of traditional chili without the use of animal products.

Regional Features

The beauty of chili lies in its adaptability. While the original chili con carne is traditionally made with beef or other meats, vegan versions like this slow-cooked recipe can be found across North America, especially in regions where plant-based diets are increasingly embraced. In the United States, particularly in states like California and Colorado, vegan chili is a staple in many households, with variations incorporating local vegetables and spices. The dish is often served in large portions at community gatherings, festivals, and even chili cook-offs, where it competes alongside meaty versions.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Compared to classic chili con carne, vegan chili offers a lighter alternative without compromising on flavor or heartiness. The primary difference is the substitution of beans and vegetables for meat, making it a great source of plant-based protein. Unlike vegetarian versions that may use cheese or sour cream as toppings, vegan chili omits all animal products, making it suitable for vegan and plant-based diets. The use of various beans (black, kidney, and garbanzo) in this slow-cooker version ensures a rich, satisfying texture, while spices like chili powder and cumin give it the signature chili kick without the need for meat.

Where Is It Typically Served?

Vegan chili is perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting dinner at home. It's often served in community settings like churches, schools, and charity events where large, nutritious meals are needed. In restaurants, it's common to see vegan chili offered as a hearty option for plant-based eaters. In addition, it pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Many people also enjoy vegan chili as a filling topping for baked potatoes or stuffed peppers.

Interesting Facts

  • Chili cook-offs are a major event in Texas, where the dish is taken very seriously. Though meat is the traditional choice, vegan versions are gaining traction due to the growing popularity of plant-based diets.
  • In 1977, the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) was founded, focusing on the art of chili-making. Today, vegan and vegetarian versions of chili are making their mark in these competitions.
  • Slow cookers, like the one used for this vegan chili, have become a household favorite for making stews, soups, and chilis. They are especially popular for their convenience, as they allow meals to cook unattended over several hours.
  • Vegan chili can be customized endlessly: from different beans to the inclusion of mushrooms, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) as a meat substitute. The dish is as versatile as it is satisfying!

FAQ about Slow Cooker Vegan Chili Recipe

Leftover slow cooker vegan chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you'd like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing, and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.

Yes, you can adjust the spice level of the chili according to your preferences. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit any extra spicy ingredients such as cayenne pepper. Conversely, you can add more chili powder, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño for a spicier kick.

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables you add to the chili. Popular choices include carrots, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and cauliflower. You can also swap the zucchini and yellow squash with other vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as eggplant or bell peppers.

Yes, this chili can easily be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the recipe as usual, then store it in the refrigerator once it has cooled. It will taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and reheat it when needed.

Yes, you can use fresh beans instead of canned beans, but you will need to cook them beforehand. Soak the beans overnight and then cook them until tender before adding them to the slow cooker. This will take a bit more time, but it can be a great option if you prefer to avoid canned beans.

Yes, you can add a meat substitute like vegan crumbles, tempeh, or lentils to make the chili more hearty. These ingredients can add additional texture and protein. If using a meat substitute, simply add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

Absolutely! While vegetable broth works best for a vegan chili, you can substitute it with other types of broth, such as homemade mushroom or onion broth, or even water. Just be mindful that different broths will slightly alter the flavor of the chili.

This chili is already gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free vegetable broth and ensure that any canned ingredients, such as beans or tomatoes, do not contain added gluten. You can also pair the chili with gluten-free cornbread or serve it over rice for a hearty, gluten-free meal.

Yes, you can substitute any of the beans in the recipe with others that you prefer. Some great alternatives include pinto beans, black-eyed peas, or white beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger beans to ensure they are fully cooked.

If the chili turns out too thick, simply add more vegetable broth or tomato sauce to reach your desired consistency. You can also add a little water if necessary, but vegetable broth will enhance the flavor. Stir well and cook for an additional hour if needed.

Comments

Benjamin Taylor

02/27/2025 05:16:52 AM

This recipe was not only delicious but also simple to make! It was easy to customize as well. Since other peppers were too expensive at the moment, I only used green peppers. To add some extra flavor, I included a small can of chopped green chiles. Instead of garbanzo beans, I opted for Great Northern beans as my kids are not fans of garbanzo beans. I substituted V8 juice for tomato sauce and discovered that just one can of tomato paste provided enough thickness. This dish will definitely become a staple in our household! Thank you!

Steven Williams

07/11/2023 12:32:08 PM

I opted for NO SALT ADDED canned beans and diced tomatoes in this recipe. Instead of using oil, I sautéed in a tablespoon of water. I replaced the teaspoon of salt with Mrs. Dash seasoning. The recipe originally called for 4 cloves of garlic, but I used 9 for extra flavor. While it may take some time to prepare, the dish is simple to make. The end result is both delicious and nutritious. By avoiding salt and oil, this dish is completely plant-based and made from whole foods.

Charles Jackson

10/28/2023 03:31:16 PM

I prepared this dish for my vegan family members who were visiting. RECIPE ADJUSTMENTS: - I opted for tomatoes with mild green chilies, - I included a 15oz can of whole kernel corn (drained & rinsed), - I skipped adding salt. Followed everything else according to the recipe. The dish turned out quite tasty, and no one felt the need to add salt. Even the non-vegan guests at the table enjoyed it and didn't miss the meat at all! For the next time, I would stick to the same adjustments, except I would reduce the chili powder to 4 or 5 tablespoons instead of 6. (Bonus tip: I used a crockpot liner, which made cleanup a breeze!)

Tyler Perez

09/15/2022 08:41:46 PM

Fantastic chili recipe! It is packed with flavor, and in my opinion, you won't even notice the absence of meat. I used a 6-quart crockpot, and like other reviewers mentioned, the ingredients filled it to the top. I made a few small changes—I used a 16 oz. bag of frozen spinach, the same amount of frozen corn, only one onion, 3 teaspoons of jarred minced garlic, and included 2 cups of fresh green beans that I had on hand. Following the advice of other reviewers, I skipped sautéing and directly added the peppers, onions, and garlic to the pot. I opted for canned Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies. I reduced the amount of chili powder to 2 tablespoons, as recommended by others, and it was just right for me since the recipe also calls for a tablespoon of cumin. Any more chili powder would have been overpowering. The only deviation from the vegan path was adding a cup of homemade chicken broth from my freezer instead of vegetable broth. Overall, the chili turned out excellent—it had the perfect consistency, not too thick or thin. I cooked it for about 6 and a half hours in total. There were plenty of leftovers, and I am currently enjoying a bowl of it for lunch as I write this review.

Jack Evans

01/09/2024 06:11:33 PM

I have made this recipe five times already. The first time, I followed the recipe exactly as written. However, in subsequent tries, I omitted the tomato sauce as we are not big fans of a strong tomato flavor. I also increased the amount of garlic and onion, because you can never have enough of those! I highly recommend cooking the garlic, onion, and peppers first for maximum flavor. The last time I skipped this step, and the dish wasn't nearly as tasty. Overall, this is a great recipe that I have recommended to many others. Thank you for sharing it!

Joyce Evans

11/09/2023 05:00:03 PM

Here is the rewritten review: I thoroughly enjoyed trying out this recipe, especially because it was my first time using a slow cooker. I made a few adjustments to suit my preferences: I used homemade vegetable stock that I had made with mushrooms, and I opted for overnight presoaked beans instead of canned ones. Additionally, I included mushrooms and four chopped tomatoes, replacing one of the cans of tomatoes. Although I didn't have yellow squash or spinach on hand, I doubled up on zucchini and mushrooms to make up for it. The blend of spices was fantastic, although I initially thought the chili powder quantity was a bit excessive, it turned out perfectly balanced. This recipe is a wonderful way to use up leftover veggies from the fridge, and it strikes a great balance between heartiness and lightness. Due to the overflowing amount of ingredients, I ended up cooking it in two separate batches in my slow cooker.

William Adams

01/19/2024 03:23:10 PM

I recently tried this recipe and found it to be both delicious and easy to prepare. After reading feedback about the tomato flavor being too strong, I decided to reduce the amount of tomato paste by half and increase the tomato sauce slightly for a more balanced taste. I opted for fresh spinach over frozen and omitted the zucchini and squash as my family isn't fond of them. To add some heartiness, I included a vegan ground meat substitute. Additionally, I sprinkled in about 3 tablespoons of brown sugar to mellow out the spiciness. The dish was a hit with my family, and I will definitely be making it again.

Joseph Jones

12/09/2022 02:38:52 AM

I recently prepared this dish and it received enthusiastic feedback from my vegan companions - they were eager to get the recipe. I made some personal adjustments, like excluding corn to reduce the carb content and leaving out yellow squash. Instead, I introduced carrots and chopped cauliflower as substitutes. I opted for using one white onion and one red onion, along with an extra garlic clove. I found that only one can of tomato sauce was sufficient. Additionally, I decided to enhance the flavor by adding a touch of liquid smoke. I am definitely planning to prepare this meal again. One tip I would offer is to consider using half the amount of frozen spinach, as it tended to overshadow the chili a bit.

Christopher Cruz

10/03/2023 04:15:23 AM

I made some adjustments to the recipe. I omitted the corn, upped the chili, and included cayenne and red pepper flakes for extra heat since I prefer spicy food. I also introduced tempeh and lentils for a more savory flavor. For my next attempt, I plan on substituting tempeh with mushrooms. I believe mushrooms and Jalapeños would make a great combination for this dish.

Stephen Hill

03/26/2023 01:06:35 PM

Excellent!

Jessica Evans

12/26/2023 02:05:42 PM

The recipe was fantastic, but there was an excessive amount of cumin. Additionally, there was a lot of vegetable chopping required. 😄

Justin Campbell

05/24/2024 10:24:33 PM

I will definitely do this again and again.

Christopher Garcia

04/28/2025 09:29:51 PM

Delicious! This dish is so flavorful and satisfying, you won't even notice the absence of meat. I paired it with vegan gluten-free cornbread for my daughter and it was a hit!

Sharon Nelson

09/07/2024 04:38:16 PM

This product lasts a long time! I used it for a chili contest and ended up winning. It was a big hit, even among meat-eaters.

Larry Smith

09/05/2022 02:58:49 PM

Here is the revised review: With just a bit of chopping for peppers and onions, this recipe is a breeze to throw together in the crockpot. I opted for pintos over black beans since I'm not a fan of black beans. As a carnivore who occasionally fasts for religious reasons, I appreciate having a hearty and flavorful dish like this chili. The traditional chili taste is spot on, and the texture is satisfying. Even without meat, the flavor is so rich that you might not even notice the difference. It's unlikely anyone trying it blindfolded would guess it's vegan. While I won't be giving up meat anytime soon, this chili is a fantastic option for meat-free periods.

Kevin Williams

12/18/2024 09:38:28 PM

Excited to enjoy these once they're ready. The initial taste test looks very promising! 😄

Angela Jackson

03/29/2023 01:04:38 AM

This was my first attempt at trying out this recipe and my family absolutely adored it. The dish was bursting with flavor. My husband even joked that he hoped there would be leftovers for tomorrow!