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Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili - Cozy, Hearty, and Effortless

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Yellow onion – 1 large, diced
  • Bell peppers – 2 (any color), diced
  • Carrots – 2 medium, diced
  • Celery – 2 stalks, diced
  • Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
  • Jalapeño or serrano – 1, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
  • Canned crushed tomatoes – 1 can (28 ounces)
  • Vegetable broth – 2 cups
  • Black beans – 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
  • Kidney beans – 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
  • Pinto beans – 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
  • Frozen corn – 1 cup
  • Chili powder – 2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin – 2 teaspoons
  • Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
  • Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
  • Ground coriander – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder or brewed coffee – 1 teaspoon cocoa or 1/4 cup coffee (optional, for depth)
  • Salt and black pepper – to taste
  • Lime juice – 1 tablespoon, plus more to taste
  • Fresh cilantro – chopped, for garnish
  • Optional toppings – avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, green onions, tortilla chips

Method
 

  1. Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, peppers, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and jalapeño, and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
  2. Add tomato paste. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to caramelize slightly. This step deepens the flavor.
  3. Transfer to the slow cooker. Scrape the sautéed mixture into the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, beans, corn, and spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander). Add cocoa powder or brewed coffee if using. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are tender.
  5. Finish with lime. Stir in lime juice and adjust salt, pepper, and heat as needed. If you like a thicker chili, mash some beans with a spoon directly in the pot or simmer uncovered for 15 minutes (use High).
  6. Garnish and serve. Ladle into bowls and top with avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of yogurt. Serve with cornbread, rice, or chips.