Hearty Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian Chili Slow Cooker Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying dish, this Vegetarian Chili Slow Cooker Recipe is perfect! It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Plus, it’s made in a slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld beautifully.

Why Make This Recipe

Making vegetarian chili in a slow cooker allows for a hands-off cooking experience. It’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting a filling meal without the hassle. This recipe is not only vegetarian but also incredibly versatile – you can customize it with your favorite toppings. It’s great for meal prep, a cozy family dinner, or even for serving at gatherings.

How to Make Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients

• 1 14-ounce can Old El Paso™ Mild Red Enchilada Sauce
• 1 14-ounce can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 14-ounce can low-sodium white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 14-ounce can low-sodium small red beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 14-ounce can low-sodium pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 14-ounce can sweet corn, drained and rinsed
• 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, divided
• 1 to 2 whole chipotle chilies in adobo sauce with 2 tablespoons sauce from can
• 1 ½ cups chopped sweet onion
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed)

Optional Toppings:

• Pickled jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges for lime juice

Directions

1. Place the enchilada sauce, black beans, white beans, red beans, pinto beans, corn, and half of the diced tomatoes in the crock of a slow cooker with 1 ¾ cups of water.
2. Pour the remaining diced tomatoes into a small food processor or blender. Add the chipotles and adobo sauce, then purée until smooth. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Add the chopped onion, olive oil, and kosher salt. Cook on High for 4 hours or on Low for 8 hours.
4. After cooking, take two cups of the chili and blend it until smooth. Return the puréed chili to the slow cooker.
5. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and allow to cook for another 30 to 60 minutes until everything is well combined.
6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Vegetarian Chili

Serving Vegetarian Chili is easy. Simply ladle it into bowls and top with your preferred toppings like pickled jalapeños, chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. It’s also great served with crusty bread or over rice.

How to Store Vegetarian Chili

Leftover Vegetarian Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It also freezes well, so you can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw before reheating and enjoy!

Tips to Make Vegetarian Chili

• Feel free to adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer chipotle chilies.
• For extra texture, you can add chopped bell peppers or zucchini to the mix.
• Try leaving out the cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, you can add a bit more of your favorite beans or reduce the amount of water used.

Variation

For a Mexican twist, add some corn tortillas cut into strips for a more substantial meal. Alternatively, you can make it spicier by adding more chili powder or hot sauce, or use different types of beans to suit your taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! This chili tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge or freezer and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

2. Can I add meat to this chili?
Absolutely! You can easily add cooked ground turkey or beef if you prefer a meaty chili. Just combine it with the other ingredients in the slow cooker.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check any canned products to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Now you’re ready to make and enjoy a delicious pot of Vegetarian Chili using your slow cooker. Happy cooking!