Crockpot Vegetarian Chili Surprise

Name: Crockpot Vegetarian Chili Surprise
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups vegetable broth

Highlighted under: Simple Everyday Cooking

I love preparing this Crockpot Vegetarian Chili Surprise on chilly weekends when I crave something hearty yet healthy. It’s a no-fuss dish that combines a variety of colorful vegetables and beans, simmered to perfection. Just throw everything into the crockpot and let it cook while I focus on other weekend activities. This recipe not only fills me up but also satisfies my taste buds with its robust flavors. Plus, it’s flexible—feel free to swap in any of your favorite veggies!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T16:34:28.489Z

When I first made this Crockpot Vegetarian Chili Surprise, I was amazed at how easy it was to prepare. All I needed to do was chop up my veggies, toss them in the pot with spices and beans, and let it cook slowly while I attended to other chores. The end result was a flavor-packed chili that me and my family devoured!

One tip I've learned is to let the chili sit for a bit after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together even more. It tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect option for meal prep!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A hearty mix of beans and vegetables that keeps you satisfied
Perfect for batch cooking and enjoying throughout the week
Rich flavors that deepen with slow cooking, making it a comforting choice

      

Choosing the Right Beans

The star ingredients of this Crockpot Vegetarian Chili Surprise are the black and kidney beans. Both not only add protein and fiber but also contribute to the dish's heartiness. Black beans offer a creamy texture while kidney beans provide a satisfying bite. If you're out of either bean, feel free to substitute with pinto beans or chickpeas. However, remember to adjust the cooking time slightly since different beans can vary in how quickly they become tender.

When rinsing canned beans, ensure you do so under cold water. This step removes excess sodium that can make your chili overly salty and allows the beans to retain more of their natural flavor. Rinsing also helps maintain the integrity of the beans, preventing them from becoming overly mushy during the slow cooking process.

Perfecting Your Chili Texture and Flavor

Achieving the perfect consistency in your chili is key. If you prefer a thicker chili, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a bit of cornmeal, which will help absorb excess liquid as it cooks. Conversely, for a thinner texture, add more vegetable broth and keep an eye on simmering times, adjusting 30 minutes as needed to reach your preferred consistency.

The blend of spices—like chili powder and cumin—works to layer flavors throughout the dish. If you enjoy a bit of heat, experiment with cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for an extra kick. To maximize flavor development, sauté onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the crockpot; this simple technique enhances their sweetness and aroma for a deeper flavor profile in your finished chili.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious vegetarian chili:

Chili Ingredients

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups vegetable broth

These simple ingredients will create a delightful chili you'll want to make again and again!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your chili:

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. This includes dicing the onion, bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.

Combine in the Crockpot

In your crockpot, add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chopped vegetables, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Set to Cook

Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as avocado, cilantro, or cheese!

Enjoy this warm and nourishing dish with your family!

Pro Tips

For added depth, try roasting your vegetables before adding them to the crockpot. You can also spice it up with jalapeños if you enjoy heat.

Storage and Reheating

This chili stores exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to leave a little room in the container, as the chili will expand when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove over medium heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

When reheating, if the chili seems thicker than desired, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to regain your desired consistency. It's also a great opportunity to refresh flavors; a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten the dish just before serving again.

Serving Suggestions

This chili is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of brown rice or quinoa, adding an additional layer of texture and flavor. Consider garnishing with fresh toppings like sliced avocados, shredded cheese, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. A side of cornbread or tortilla chips can provide a delightful crunch, pairing beautifully with the warm chili.

To elevate the taste even further, try finishing your serving with a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy more spice. Also, fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can add a vibrant touch. The adaptability of this recipe means it can evolve with your preferences or seasonal ingredients you have on hand.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! This chili freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container.

→ What can I serve with the chili?

This chili pairs beautifully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over a bed of rice.

→ Can I add meat to this chili?

Absolutely! You can add ground turkey or beef to make it a meatier option.

→ How can I thicken the chili?

If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.