Whenever I’m craving something cozy, hearty, and full of flavor, I turn to this Vegetarian Chili. It’s one of those recipes that never fails me—simple to make, easy on the budget, and packed with bold, comforting spices. The mix of beans gives it great texture, and the touch of molasses adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the heat. It’s warm, satisfying, and the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table for seconds.
This 3-bean chili recipe might be the one I have fallen back on the most throughout the years when I need something that is cheap (check), easy to make (check), and super flavorful (check!) Not only is this chili amazing the same day you make it, it’s even better in the days that follow, since the leftovers can be used on nachos, in taco salads, or even on a chili dog! I’m telling you, this one’s a keeper, and it’s completely vegan, so it’s a crowd pleaser no matter who you’re feeding on game day, too.
It’s the perfect amount of spicy (for me—go nuts with the cayenne and chili powder if you want to light your supper club menu on fire!) and sweet, thanks to the rich and savory-but-subtly-sweet molasses. This easy and flavorful bean chili recipe is a must-try!
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Gather all your ingredients together.
Dice veggies: Dice 1 green bell pepper and 1 onion. Then, mince 3 cloves of garlic.
Toast spices: Add 1 Tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp cumin, ¼ tsp cayenne, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp black pepper to your chili pot. Toast the spices over medium-low heat until fragrant, about 2-4 minutes.
Cook peppers and onions: Add 2 Tbsp olive oil to your pot and warm it over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Stir everything together and cook until peppers and onions have softened, about 4-6 minutes.
Add and stir: Add 6 oz. tomato paste, 28 oz. can diced tomatoes with juices, 4 oz. can diced green chiles with juices, 2 Tbsp molasses, and 1 cup water. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
The molasses adds a touch of sweetness that beautifully balances the acidity of the tomatoes and the mild heat of the chiles.
Add beans and simmer: Next, add a 15-oz. can each of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans (drained and rinsed), along with a 15-oz. can of corn, drained well. Give everything a good stir to mix the beans and corn evenly into the rich tomato base. You’ll start to see the chili come together — colorful, hearty, and full of texture.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep anything from sticking to the bottom. As it cooks, the flavors deepen and the sauce thickens slightly, coating every bean and vegetable in that savory, spiced mixture.
Serve and enjoy: You’ll know your three-bean chili is ready when the vegetables are tender, the beans are soft, and your kitchen smells like pure comfort.
I love serving this hearty three-bean vegetarian chili with a warm slice of homemade cornbread for the perfect classic combo. The slightly sweet, buttery bread balances the chili’s bold, spicy flavors beautifully. When I’m craving a little extra kick, I whip up our jalapeño cheddar cornbread instead; the melty cheese and bits of spicy pepper make each bite irresistible. And if I want to mix things up, I’ll serve the chili with soft, fluffy naan bread…it’s unexpected, but so good for scooping up every last bit!
This vegetarian chili is one of my favorite meals to make ahead because it makes a generous batch and freezes beautifully. I like to portion it out into individual containers before chilling or freezing, so I have easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners ready for busy days.
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or you can freeze them (after letting the chili cool in the fridge overnight) for up to 3 months. When it’s time to reheat, I usually pop a serving in the microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s hot. You can also warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Just add a splash of water if it’s a little thick.
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