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You are here: Home / Favourite Recipes / Three Bean Vegan Chili

Three Bean Vegan Chili

March 19, 2018 Updated: June 27, 2018 By Girl Heart Food 41 Comments

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Ever try a vegan chili recipe? It’s delicious!  This Three Bean Chili is rich in flavour from lots of chili powder, cumin and coriander and has a hit of smoky spice from chipotle peppers.  It’ll warm ya right up on a cold day!

An overhead shot of a bowl of a vegan chili recipe garnished with cilantro and jalapeno.

Hey everyone! How was your weekend?  Are you wondering how I’m doing with my meatless March adventure?  So, for those of you who aren’t familiar, basically I’d enjoy a whole month of vegetarian-only meals.

Well, it ain’t goin’ too good.

I caved.

No lie.

Yep.

Hanging my head in shame right now.

I love vegetarian meals, like a lot, but girl also loves her some chicken wings.  It’s like a switch was flicked. When I couldn’t have things I would normally enjoy, that’s when I wanted them even more.  It was like (shouting)—> I want some WINNNNNNNNNGS!!!!!!

So, meatless March lasted for a couple weeks. It was a really good learning experience and I gained a true appreciation for those who enjoy a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle.  For me, it was too much too fast.  Maybe I have to take baby steps.  One stand out, though, was this easy meatless three bean chili – it’s super hearty and no meat was missed in this one.  Plus, we had a touch of snow here this weekend (can you believe it?!). What gives mother nature?!  Anywho –  something comforting and warm like this meatless chili is definitely in order.

Vegan Chili Recipe with Three Beans

This three bean chili yields a whole bunch and uses simple pantry staples.  If it’s too much for your family, it freezes really well so it makes for a quick dinner on busy days.  Similarly to my baked beans, if you want to portion it up for later, just let it cool, place desired quantity in vacuum seal bags and freeze flat.

It’s delicious on its own or even over nachos for a Friday night feast.  The possibilities are endless!

The raw ingredients on a wooden board to make three bean chili.

Why are Beans So Good for You?

Beans are a staple in our home – both dried and canned.  Whenever possible, I buy the unsalted variety of canned beans and, of course, I always rinse them before using.

Beans are not only inexpensive, but they are tasty.  Plus, they are absolutely loaded with good-for-you stuff, like fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.    I use ’em in salads, burgers, soups, dips, and chili on the regular.  I can honestly say that I’ve never eaten as many beans as I do now.

A glass bowl of three types of beans - black beans, romano beans and white kidney beans.

This meatless chili is so hearty, even meat lovers would inhale a huge bowl of it.  And, while it’s no longer meatless March for me, it is meatless Monday so the perfect excuse to chow down on a huge bowl!

Squeezing a lime wedge over a bowl of three bean chili.

A steaming spoonful of three bean chili.

How to Garnish this Vegan Chili Recipe

As you know, I’m all about those garnishes, those extra flavours and pops of colour.  Cilantro works wonderfully, but my hands down favourite is Greek yogurt!  Its adds creaminess to the chili and cools it down a touch.  I always use it in lieu of sour cream.  Plus, it’s protein packed!

A bowl of three bean chili garnished with cilantro and jalapeno.

Shout out to hubby for doing the whole hand modelling thing, lol—>

A bowl of three bean chili garnished with cilantro and jalapeno held by someone.

Hope you love this easy vegan chili!  Stay tuned later this week for an updated sidekick to go along with this.

Until next time, take care and chit chat again soon 🙂

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe below to stay in the loop on all the latest recipes.

P.P.S. If you think this three bean vegan chili recipe will make your belly happy too, please be sure to hit that little Pin button down below.  Many thanks, you guys! XO

A delicious bowl of meatless three bean chili
Print
5 from 12 votes

Three Bean Vegan Chili

Ever try a vegan chili recipe? It's delicious!  This Three Bean Chili is rich in flavour from lots of chili powder, cumin and coriander and has a hit of smoky spice from chipotle peppers.  It'll warm ya right up on a cold day!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword meatless chili, three bean chili, gluten free chili
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 261kcal
Author Girl Heart Food

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion -chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic -minced
  • 3 cups mushrooms -sliced
  • 2 stalks celery -sliced, about 1/4 inch thick
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 bell peppers -cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp salt -or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 796ml cans whole tomatoes -crushed
  • 2-3 chipotles in adobo sauce -chopped
  • 19 oz can black beans -rinsed and drained (I used unsalted variety)
  • 19 oz can romano beans -rinsed and drained (I used unsalted variety)
  • 19 oz can white kidney beans -rinsed and drained (I used unsalted variety)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Suggested Garnishes

  • jalapeno
  • cilantro
  • green onion
  • avocado
  • crushed tortilla chips
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream

Instructions

  • In a 5-6 quart Dutch oven, heat olive oil on medium heat.  Cook onion 3-4 minutes until softened slightly.  
  • Add garlic and cook 1 minute.  To garlic add mushrooms and celery and cook 5 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste and stir to combine.  Cook 1 minute.
  • Add bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt and pepper.  Stir to combine.  
  • Add cans of tomatoes and chipotle.  Stir to combine.  Bring to simmer, cover and cook 15 minutes. 
  • Add beans, stirring to combine, and cook an additional 10 minutes, covered.
  • Stir in apple cider vinegar.  Adjust salt to taste.  Garnish as desired.  Enjoy!
Tried this recipe? That's awesome!Mention @dawn.girlheartfood or tag #girlheartfood!

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 617mg | Potassium: 1185mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 67.7% | Vitamin C: 85.7% | Calcium: 12.9% | Iron: 31.7%

Filed Under: Favourite Recipes, Gluten Free, Mains, Vegetarian/Vegan Tagged With: beans, chili, gluten free, one pot, vegan, vegetarian

© Girl Heart Food.  All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use any images without prior permission.  If you want to republish this recipe please do not list instructions. Rather, link directly back to this post. Thank you.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marissa

    March 21, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    It’s weird, when I go meatless for a couple of days I just don’t feel good. But I do love to have a meal or two every day without meat and this chili is just perfect – super hearty and flavorful.

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 23, 2018 at 8:28 am

      Thanks Marissa! Glad to hear I’m not alone 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful weekend! XO

      Reply
  2. Ashika | Gardening Foodie

    March 21, 2018 at 7:01 pm

    The colder wintery weather has been creeping in on us here in South Africa so this will be a delicious and comforting dinner to try. I loooooove chili recipes and this is definitely one i am going to be enjoying. 🙂

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 23, 2018 at 8:28 am

      Me too! Thanks Ashika! Hope you enjoy it 🙂 Stay warm!

      Reply
  3. Kevin O'Leary

    March 21, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    Never hang your head in shame for chicken wings! This chili looks absolutely amazing…and if you want to put a little bit of bacon on it, no guilt. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Ben|Havocinthekitchen

    March 20, 2018 at 11:28 pm

    Don’t be hard on yourself, Dawn. Besides, chicken is also considered to be poultry, so I would say you didn’t eat any meat. Does this make sense?:) And this delicious chili makes sense too as I don’t feel spring coming – this dish is totally appropriate.

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 21, 2018 at 10:47 am

      Thanks so much Ben 🙂 It’s not spring-like around here yet either – hopefully soon! Hope you’re having a great week!!

      Reply
  5. K.C.

    March 20, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    Did you really have to say “WINGGGGGGGGS!”? Now, I want some. Your chili may not be wings, but it looks like it would be very satisfying as well. 🙂

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 21, 2018 at 10:45 am

      Haha 😉 I know, right?? Thank you so much!

      Reply
  6. Lisa Huff

    March 20, 2018 at 11:33 am

    I really could go for a big bowl of this today! Another snow storm on the way so need this kind of cozy comfort food!

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 21, 2018 at 10:44 am

      Oh no for snow! Thanks Lisa! Stay warm 🙂

      Reply
  7. Sues

    March 20, 2018 at 11:28 am

    Aw, as long as you learned, that’s all that matters! Haha I’m not sure I could do it either… But I do love having meatless meals often and this chili looks delicious!! We’re getting more snow here tomorrow, so this would be the perfect little warmup!

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 21, 2018 at 10:44 am

      Haha – definitely 😉 Thanks Sues! Try and stay warm!!

      Reply
  8. Amy | The Cook Report

    March 20, 2018 at 11:02 am

    I love chilli and this veggie version looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 21, 2018 at 10:41 am

      I do too! Thanks Amy 🙂

      Reply
  9. Priya

    March 20, 2018 at 10:55 am

    wow! this bean chilli looks so delicious! Its so healthy too..

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 21, 2018 at 10:41 am

      Thanks Priya 🙂

      Reply
  10. Sarah

    March 20, 2018 at 9:37 am

    LOL.. you’re too funny. Oh well lololol.
    This chili sounds delicious though, and if you can believe it- it’s supposed to SNOW here tonight! I’m so annoyed- it’s supposed to be SPRING! I guess I’ll be makin soup!

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 21, 2018 at 10:40 am

      Hehehe 😉 Oh no for snow! Yeah, like, bring on spring, am I right? I guess it will be here soon enough…hopefully!! Thanks Sarah!

      Reply
  11. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking

    March 20, 2018 at 7:13 am

    We love chili in our house! Whether it’s ground beef or turkey, or vegetarian like this one, chili is always super filling and a great way to feed a crowd. Love the smokey flavour you’ve added to this one, and you can’t go wrong loading it up with three different kinds of beans! I’ll be saving this one to try on our next cold, snowy day!

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 21, 2018 at 10:37 am

      We do too! Thank you Leanne! Hope you’re having an awesome week 🙂

      Reply
  12. Katherine | Love In My Oven

    March 20, 2018 at 12:44 am

    You don’t even have to feel bad about caving – I don’t know how you went as long as you did!! I would be eating wings the first week, haha
    You definitely made up for things with this chili though; we love our beans too. So cheap and convenient, and GREAT for you. I need more of these hearty dishes in my dinner repertoire. Pinning for sure! Hope you had a great weekend my friend!

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 21, 2018 at 10:37 am

      Haha – glad I’m not alone 😉 Thank you Katherine! Hope you get to try this one out soon 🙂

      Reply
  13. Thao @ In Good Flavor

    March 19, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    Two weeks is a great job in my book, Dawn! I would have never made it that long. It’s over when I smell steak cooking especially on the grill. This chili is so robust and satisfying that I would not miss the meat at all! In fact, it will be the perfect comfort meal on Wednesday when we get hit with another 8-inches of snow.

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 21, 2018 at 10:36 am

      Thanks Thao!! Try and stay warm, my friend 🙂

      Reply
  14. Sadhna Grover

    March 19, 2018 at 9:33 pm

    I love three beans combination, I love the combinations and vegetables you have used in this recipe.

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 21, 2018 at 10:36 am

      Thank you Sadhna 🙂

      Reply
  15. Karen (Back Road Journal)

    March 19, 2018 at 1:56 pm

    I always keep a large selection of beans in my pantry and your chili sounds great. I’m with you, as much as I enjoy vegetables I couldn’t go a whole month without eating any meat.

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 19, 2018 at 8:28 pm

      Me too! So convenient! Thanks Karen! Hope you get a chance to try this one out 🙂

      Reply
  16. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

    March 19, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    Hey, you lasted a long time! Don’t feel bad for caving–wings are kinda hard to resist right? This chili sounds AMAAAZING! I love a good, hearty chili and it’s been pretty cold and gray here for awhile, which means I need some of this deliciousness ASAP! Have a great week, Dawn!

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 19, 2018 at 8:27 pm

      Totally!! Thanks Kelsie! Have a lovely week too 🙂

      Reply
  17. Milena

    March 19, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    Well, I would not have lasted even one week. Maybe three days, tops. I love wings too, so not even sure about three days, lol. You did great! This three bean chili does sounds perfect…especially since the weather here is also not giving up.. Snow storm in the mountains last night and snow/rain down here..There will be at least one more before winter is gone, so will have a chance to enjoy chili soon. Pinned!

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 19, 2018 at 8:27 pm

      Haha – good to know 😉 We still have snow here too and the winter jackets are still needed. Hopefully, it’ll warm up soon! Thanks Milena! Hope you like this one 🙂

      Reply
  18. [email protected]

    March 19, 2018 at 11:07 am

    HAHAHA!! I can imagine it….”I want WINGGGGGGGGS!” I would be the same way, my friend! But this three bean chili sure would carry me far! I’m a fan! Just perfect for these (still) snowy days! Have a great week! Cheers! XOXO

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 19, 2018 at 8:24 pm

      Right?! So happy to hear I’m not the only one 😉 Thanks Annie! Have a great week too! XOXO

      Reply
  19. David @ Spiced

    March 19, 2018 at 9:49 am

    I don’t blame you for caving in, Dawn. Not one bit. Funny story: Laura tried the vegetarian thing for a while (before I met her) and chicken wings were her downfall, too. I admit that I do love wings, but I think a good burger would be my downfall. Either way, this chili sounds amazing! We’ve been frigid cold here lately, too (what the heck?? Springs starts tomorrow…officially at least), and a good bowl of this chili would be an excellent lunch idea. I might just have to make that happen!

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 19, 2018 at 8:26 pm

      Burgers are so good too, especially with lots of cheese and onion! It’s cold here too, so I understand!! Thanks so much, David, and try and stay warm 🙂

      Reply
  20. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

    March 19, 2018 at 9:18 am

    Great chili! I don’t really miss the meat in chili. Now wings. That’s a whole other deal. I don’t blame you for caving 🙂

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 19, 2018 at 8:25 pm

      Thanks Jennifer! Haha – I hear ya!! Thanks so much 🙂

      Reply
  21. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

    March 19, 2018 at 8:25 am

    Perfect for these winter days that seem to be hanging on Dawn! Love the three different kinds of beans too! So nice and hearty! Pinned! Hope your week is wonderful! XO

    Reply
    • Girl Heart Food

      March 19, 2018 at 8:24 pm

      So true!! Thanks Mary Ann! Same to you! XO

      Reply

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Hi and welcome! I’m so happy you stopped by!  On Girl Heart Food, you’ll find lots of yummy eats from veggie based to gluten free to classic comfort food fare. You’re bound to find something that’ll make your belly happy!

I truly believe that you should have fun in the kitchen – that’s what it’s all about, right? Make good food, have a laugh and just enjoy yourself…nothing complicated – just real food shared with friends and family.

Grab your favourite cuppa & get cozy.

Happy eating, you guys!
Dawn

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