Breakfast & Soup

Slow Cooker Vegetable Chili Recipe – Easy Family Meal

Name: Slow Cooker Vegetable Chili Recipe – Easy Family Meal
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 4 cups vegetable stock; 14 1/2 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 7 garlic cloves, minced; 2 green bell peppers, deseeded and chopped; 2 red bell peppers, deseeded and chopped; 14 ounces can black beans, rinsed and drained; 14 ounces can white beans, drained; 14 ounces can chickpeas, drained; 14 ounces can sweet corn, drained; 24 ounces plant-based burgers, crumbled; 1 tablespoon ground chili powder; 1 tablespoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons coriander powder; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste; vegan shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges

Crystal Ivers January 20, 2025

Servings: 10 Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before we dive into the details of this slow cooker vegetable chili, let’s discuss what complements such a hearty dish. Think about fresh cornbread, crunchy tortilla chips, or a crisp green salad.

These sides can elevate the meal and add a variety of textures and flavors, making each bite exciting. Pairing is where you can get creative and personalize your dining experience.

What is Slow Cooker Vegetable Chili?

At its core, slow cooker vegetable chili is a comforting stew made with a combination of vegetables, beans, and spices, cooked slowly until everything is beautifully tender. Think of it as a celebration of plant-based goodness.

You can create a version brimming with beans like black beans, chickpeas, and white beans paired with colorful bell peppers and aromatic herbs. It’s vegan-friendly and a bowl of happiness on a chilly day!

Why This Recipe Works?

Here’s why you’ll want to add this chili recipe to your meal rotation:

Simplicity: The process is incredibly straightforward. Toss in your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. You can focus on other tasks, like binge-watching your favorite series or catching up on reading.
Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows the spices and ingredients to mingle and develop rich flavors. The longer cooking time means you get a well-rounded taste in every bite. Each spice adds a little something special, making it vibrant and inviting.
Meal Prep Friendliness: If you’re busy like most of us, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch, store it in the fridge, and reheat as needed. The flavors even improve after a day in the fridge!
Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with beans and vegetables, this dish is filled with protein and fiber. It’s comfort food that you won’t feel guilty about. That’s a win-win if you ask me!

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

Gathering the ingredients is simple. Here’s your shopping list:

4 cups vegetable stock
14 ½ ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
7 garlic cloves, minced
2 green bell peppers, deseeded and chopped
2 red bell peppers, deseeded and chopped
14 ounces can black beans, rinsed and drained
14 ounces can white beans, drained
14 ounces can chickpeas, drained
14 ounces can sweet corn, drained
24 ounces plant-based burgers, crumbled
1 tablespoon ground chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings: Vegan shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Chili Copycat Recipe

How To Make This Slow Cooker Vegetable Chili

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all of your ingredients. Chop the bell peppers, onion, and mince the garlic. This prep work helps everything cook evenly and brings forth the beautiful scents as you begin.

Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This step is optional but will add depth to the flavor. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, roughly 5 minutes. It’s a small additional step that goes a long way.

Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the chopped bell peppers, canned beans, sweet corn, and crumbled plant-based burgers.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Spices

Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and add all the spices: chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well blended. The colors will be vibrant, undoubtedly enticing.

Step 5: Pour in the Vegetable Stock

Now, add the vegetable stock. Give everything a good stir, ensuring that all ingredients are submerged in the liquid.

Step 6: Set the Slow Cooker

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavor will be.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, serve it up in bowls and adorn with your choice of toppings. Fresh cilantro and avocado add a great touch, balancing the heat from the spices beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some excellent tips to elevate your chili-making game:

Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients significantly enhance flavor. Don’t hesitate to splurge on organic vegetables or premium spices.
Balance Your Flavors: Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. A splash of lime juice can brighten flavors dramatically.
Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings. Consider adding diced jalapeños for heat or a dollop of vegan yogurt for creaminess.
Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker chili, let it cook with the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes to evaporate some liquid. Want it soupier? Just add more stock!
Freeze for Later: This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer bags or containers and store for easy future meals.

How Do You Store The Leftovers?

Storing leftovers is simple. Let the chili cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. Remember, you can also freeze any leftovers! Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What Sides Would Complement Slow Cooker Vegetable Chili?

Here are some sides that pair wonderfully with chili to round out your meal:

Cornbread: A classic companion to chili. Its slightly sweet flavor balances the spice, making every bite delightful.
Tortilla Chips: These bring crunch and can serve as a scoop for the chili. It’s like having a dip and chili all in one!
Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad adds a refreshing crunch. Toss greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chili.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?

Not all of us have every ingredient on hand. Here are some alternatives:

Beans: If you don’t have black beans, feel free to use pinto beans or kidney beans. They will work perfectly.
Vegetable Stock: You can use water in a pinch, though stock certainly enhances flavor.
Plant-Based Burgers: Mashed lentils or a mix of other beans can substitute nicely to keep that heartiness in the dish.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: If unavailable, you can use regular diced tomatoes. Add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the flavor profile.

Conclusion

Slow cooker vegetable chili epitomizes comfort food. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. After one warm bowl, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish.

With endless possibilities for customization and pairing, you’ll make it again and again. Grab your slow cooker and get cooking—you won’t be disappointed!

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Slow Cooker Vegetable Chili Recipe – Easy Family Meal

Author: Crystal Ivers Cuisine: American Courses: Breakfast & Soup

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Servings: 10 Calories: 489 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Picture this: a Sunday afternoon filled with the comforting aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen. You’ve got your favorite book in one hand, perhaps a glass of red wine in the other, and you know that dinner is taken care of thanks to your trusty slow cooker.

That’s the magic of slow cooker vegetable chili. It’s hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, all while making your life easier.

After years of experimenting with various recipes, I can confidently say that the key to the perfect chili lies in quality ingredients and a bit of patience.

Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that can warm you from the inside. Let's dive into this incredible recipe that I have prepared time and time again!