Cozy Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili (Kid-Approved & Freezer-Friendly)

This cozy Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — hearty, flavorful, and full of plant-based protein and fiber. It’s mildly spiced, making it perfect for little eaters, but still rich and satisfying for adults.

It’s an all-in-one comfort meal that’s easy to customize — serve it over pasta with cheese, pair it with cornbread muffins, or load it up with your favorite toppings like avocado, Greek yogurt, or crushed tortilla chips.

And the best part? It makes a big batch (8 servings!), so you’ll have plenty for meal prep, leftovers, or freezing for busy weeks ahead.

Ingredients (serves 8)

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 2 small onions, diced
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• Spice blend: ¼ cup chili powder, 1 Tbsp dried oregano, 1 Tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 3 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 6 cans beans (such as black, pinto, and kidney)
• 2 cups frozen corn

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the spices: Stir in the chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
3. Simmer the base: Add the diced tomatoes, broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well, then add all the beans. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Blend for creaminess: Scoop about 1½ cups of chili into a blender and blend until smooth. Return to the pot and stir — this gives the chili a thick, velvety texture without adding cream.
5. Add the corn: Stir in the frozen corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust salt or spices to taste. Serve warm!

Cozy Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili (Kid-Approved & Freezer-Friendly)

This cozy 3-bean chili is hearty, high in protein, and perfect for families. Mild, flavorful, and full of veggies — ideal for meal prep or freezing!

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Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic minced or pressed
• 2 small onions diced
• 2 red bell peppers diced
• ¼ cup chili powder
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 3 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 6 cans beans such as black, pinto, and kidney
• 2 cups frozen corn

Method

 

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the spices: Stir in the chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
3. Simmer the base: Add the diced tomatoes, broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well, then add all the beans. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Blend for creaminess: Scoop about 1½ cups of chili into a blender and blend until smooth. Return to the pot and stir — this gives the chili a thick, velvety texture without adding cream.
5. Add the corn: Stir in the frozen corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust salt or spices to taste. Serve warm!

Nutrition Info (per serving):

420 calories, 20 g protein, 11 g fat (1.5 g saturated), 60 g carbs (18 g fiber)

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili

• Mild and family-friendly — perfect for kids
• Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies
• Makes 8 hearty servings for meal prep or freezing
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free
• Budget-friendly pantry staples

FAQs

Can I make this Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onions, garlic, and spices first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth if needed.

Can I add meat or tofu?
Yes! Ground turkey, beef, or crumbled tofu can be added for extra protein. Just brown it with the onions and garlic before adding the other ingredients.

How can I make it spicier?
Add a diced jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.

What should I serve with it?
Try cornbread muffins, rice, quinoa, or even pasta (like a chili mac!). For toppings, add avocado, shredded cheese, or Greek yogurt.

More Cozy Meals You’ll Love

• Slow Cooker Apple Pie Overnight Oats (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
• Creamy Butternut Squash Coconut Curry (25-Minute Meal)
• Easy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup (One Pot Meal)

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