Looking for an amazing vegetarian chili? You'll LOVE this 3 Bean Chili! This delicious recipe is super easy to make in your slow cooker (or crock pot), or on the stovetop if you prefer. Perfect for busy weeknights and for parties, too!
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Ginnie's Take
It's officially sweater weather (yay), so I've been making all my favorite comfort foods! I've been craving a classic veg chili that could be cooked in a crock pot, and this Spicy Bean Chili was exactly what I had in mind. You're going to love this recipe! It relies on what I think of as healthy convenience foods (canned beans and tomatoes) to keep prep to a bare minimum. Apart from a little chopping, the slow cooker does all the work. Yet it's full of well-developed, rich and spicy flavors. Perfect for busy days and for laid back entertaining, too!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Amazing Flavor - This easy chili has a mouthwatering bold, spicy flavor that's so warming and comforting on a cold day. No one will guess that it took minutes to throw together!
- Super Easy - While I'm not a fan of the phrase "dump recipe" (there's got to be something more appealing, lol!), that's essentially what this recipe is! Just add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, stir, then enjoy a delicious dinner a few hours later. It really couldn't be easier!
- Nutritious - This recipe isn't just tasty, beans are a great source of fiber, plant based protein, and healthy vitamins and minerals.
- Perfect for Any Occasion - Searching for an easy dinner? Check. Entertaining on game day and need a no fuss, crowd-pleaser? Check. This no hassle vegetarian chili is perfect for everything from busy weeknight meals to serving a crowd at potlucks, watch parties, tailgates, and more!
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Ingredients
This simple vegan chili recipe is made with basic, easy to find ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Beans - This recipes calls for a combination of black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Of course, you can always use different beans (such as chickpeas), or you can use just one or two bean varieties, if you want to change things up.
- Tomatoes - You'll need a couple cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies, as well as a can of tomato sauce.
- Onion + Garlic - You'll also need a medium onion (I used yellow, but white or red would also work) and some fresh garlic.
- Chiles - This recipe gets it's smokey, spicy flavor from canned chipotles in adobo sauce. You will use the chiles, as well as the sauce.
- Spices - The chili is seasoned with a combination of chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano.
- Toppings - I topped my chili with diced red onion, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. You'll find lots of other ideas below, too!
This yummy recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free, nut free, and even oil free! So everyone at your table can enjoy it.
You'll Also Need
You'll need a slow cooker, of course, as well as a sharp knife to prep the ingredients, and a fine mesh strainer to rinse the beans. If you'd like to make this recipe on your stovetop, you'll need a dutch oven or large soup pot, as well.
How to Make Slow Cooker Bean Chili
This Crock Pot Chili recipe couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's a quick overview of the (very minimal) steps:
- Combine ingredients. Add the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, spices, and salt to your slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cook. Turn your slow cooker to high, then cook the chili for two to three hours. Or if you'd prefer, you can cook it on low for six to eight hours. This recipe is flexible!
- Season to taste. When the time is up, check that the onions are tender (if not, cook for a little longer). Then season the chili with additional salt to taste.
- Serve with toppings. Ladle the chili into bowls, and serve with your favorite toppings.
Okay, time to kick back and enjoy your Slow Cooker Three Bean Chili. You are going to love this recipe!
Variations
This Spicy Bean Chili is super easy to customize! Here are some easy ideas:
- Beans - Substitute different beans, such as chickpeas (garbanzo beans) or white beans. You could also use just one or two types of beans, or you could use four, five, or six types of beans. It's up to you!
- Less Spicy - Not a fan of spicy foods? No problem! Use regular diced tomatoes and just one chipotle pepper (or skip the pepper altogether). For chili flavor without a lot of heat, add a can of mild green chiles. Tip: Already made the chili? Serve it topped with sour cream to tone down the heat.
- Extra Spicy - Crank up the heat by using extra chili powder (or hot chili powder) and adding extra chipotle peppers (or use other hot peppers, like habaneros or serranos). Serve the chili with your favorite hot sauce. This Secret Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce is my fave!
- Veggies - Add different vegetables, like chopped green or red bell peppers, carrots, and corn.
Topping Ideas
A few toppings are the best way to make your homemade Bean Chili even tastier! Here are some of my favorites:
- Shredded Cheese - Try sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or plant based shreds.
- Sour Cream - Regular or vegan.
- Chopped Onions - I like using red onions for a little color! Pro Tip: After chopping your onions, place them in a fine mesh strainer, then rinse them with cold water. The water will wash away the sharp bite.
- Green Onions - Thinly sliced green onions add flavor and color.
- Avocado - Chunks or slices of fresh avocado are always a welcome addition.
- Guacamole - Top with a dollop of Homemade Guacamole.
- Tomatoes - Sprinkle with chopped tomatoes.
- Olives - Sliced or chopped black always go great with homemade chili.
- Jalapeños - Whether they're pickled or fresh, sliced jalapeños are a great topping for spicy food lovers.
- Lime - A squeeze of fresh lime is a great way to perk of the other flavors.
- Cilantro - Sprinkle a little chopped fresh cilantro over the top.
- Chip - Crushed corn or tortilla chips are a wonderful way to add a crunchy texture.
- Hot Sauce - For more heat, just add hot sauce to taste.
- Salsa - A spoonful of salsa is always delish.
Serving Suggestions
This meatless chili can be enjoyed on its own, or you can pair it with a Tossed Green Salad or Garden Veggie Salad. It's also super delish served with cornbread, this Easy Beer Bread, and this yummy Homemade Garlic Bread.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where they'll stay fresh for up to four days. Rewarm gently in your microwave (or in a small pot on the stove). You can also freeze the chili in an airtight container. I recommend eating frozen chili within two months for the best flavor.
Related Recipes
Looking for similar recipes? Try this scrumptious Black Bean Chili next! You'll love my other vegetarian and vegan chili recipes, too:
- This Classic Vegetarian Chili is loaded with veggies and so much flavor!
- Make this yummy Frito Pie with leftovers from this recipe (or one of my other recipes).
- This scrumptious Quinoa Chili is hearty, healthy, and delicious!
- Craving fall flavors? Then you've gotta try this unique Vegan Pumpkin Chili.
- This Vegetarian White Bean Chili is a fun and tasty twist on the classic recipe!
P.S. Check out all my vegetarian soup and stew recipes for even more ideas.
Three Bean Chili (Slow Cooker)
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce / 425 gram) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (15-ounce / 425 gram) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (15-ounce / 425 gram) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (14.5-ounce / 411 gram) cans diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 (15-ounce / 425 gram) can tomato sauce
- 1 to 2 chipotle chiles, chopped, plus 1 tablespoon adobe sauce (from canned chiles)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Toppings:
- diced red onion
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- chopped cilantro
Equipment
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except toppings), PLUS ½ cup water, in a slow cooker. Mix well.
- Cook chili over high heat for 2 to 3 hours, OR over low heat for 6 to 8 hours (or until onions are tender).
- Taste chili, then season with additional salt, if needed.
- Serve topped with red onions, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro (or your favorite toppings). Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
After an hour or more at the dog park in the fall and winter, I would LOVE to come home to a bowl of this chili waiting for me in the crock pot! I'm excited to give this a try.
It's definitely perfect for warming up after time spend outside! Let me know what you think if you try it. 🙂