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Easy Vegan Chili – Hearty One-Pot Plant-Based Chili Packed with Beans, Vegetables, and Bold Spices

Easy Vegan Chili is the kind of recipe you keep coming back to—simple, nourishing, and deeply comforting. Built on pantry staples and everyday vegetables, this chili delivers big flavor without fuss. Sweet potato adds body and natural sweetness, bell peppers and onion bring depth, and a trio of beans creates a hearty, protein-rich base. Fire-roasted tomatoes and warm spices finish it off with that slow-simmered taste—without hours at the stove. This is a weeknight-friendly, budget-conscious, and meal-prep-perfect chili. It’s vegan, naturally gluten-free, family-approved, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your fridge for the week, this chili shows how easy plant-based comfort food can be.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 –2 bell peppers diced
  • 1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • Zest of 1 lime optional but recommended
Beans & Tomatoes
  • 3 cans beans mix of black beans, kidney beans, and pinto or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 2½ –3 cups vegetable broth
Spices & Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ –1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
Finish
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh corn kernels optional, from 1 ear
  • These ingredients create a chili that’s thick smoky, gently sweet, and perfectly balanced.

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2:
  1. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Step 3:
  1. Stir in the bell peppers and sweet potato. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4:
  1. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5:
  1. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 6:
  1. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Step 7:
  1. Add the beans and fire-roasted tomatoes to the pot.
Step 8:
  1. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine.
Step 9:
  1. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Step 10:
  1. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili thickens.
Step 11:
  1. Stir in the fresh corn (if using) and lime zest. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Step 12:
  1. Remove from heat and add the lime juice.
Step 13:
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 14:
  1. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to deepen.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Freezing:
Freeze for up to 2 months
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat
Add a splash of broth if needed
🥄 Variations
Extra smoky: Add more smoked paprika
Spicy: Add chili flakes or extra chili powder
Veggie-loaded: Add zucchini or carrots
Thicker chili: Mash a cup of beans and stir back in
Protein boost: Add lentils
Each option keeps the chili hearty, flexible, and satisfying.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why add cocoa powder?
It deepens flavor without tasting like chocolate.
Is this chili spicy?
Mild to medium, easy to adjust.
Can kids eat this?
Yes, it’s family-friendly.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, adjust cook time slightly.
Does it thicken as it sits?
Yes, it gets even better the next day.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low until vegetables are tender.
Is it healthy?
High in fiber and plant protein.
What beans work best?
Any combination you like.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—great for crowds.
🏁 Conclusion
Easy Vegan Chili is proof that simple ingredients can create incredible comfort food. Hearty beans, tender vegetables, and bold spices come together in a chili that’s nourishing, flavorful, and perfect for any day of the week.
Make a big pot—you’ll be glad you did.