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Home » Soup » Easy Slow Cooker Vegan Chili (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)

Easy Slow Cooker Vegan Chili (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)

Published: Feb 3, 2020 by Rebecca Pytell · This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili is a dump-and-go crockpot meal you can set and forget! This healthy three bean chili is vegan, gluten-free, allergy-free, and full of plant-based protein, veggies, and bold Southwest flavors! A comforting dinner for a crowd or meatless make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal you can meal prep!

overhead view of slow cooker vegetarian chili in crockpot

Slow cooker vegetarian chili at it's finest! It's literally SO easy to make! Just crack open a few cans of beans, twist off the lid of some salsa, and sprinkle in some flavor-boosting powerhouses. Set your 'ole crockpot to high(or low) and let the magic happen right before your eyes! You can toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and just let it cook all day long. When it's time for dinner, you'll have a super cozy warming bowl of vegan chili waiting for you to devour!

bowl of slow cooker vegetarian chili and crockpot filled with chili

What's in a vegetarian chili?

This meatless chili is just as hearty and comforting as you'd expect chili to be, but just happens to be plant-based! It's a delicious spin on 3-bean chili and includes:

  • Pinto Beans
  • Black Beans
  • Kidney Beans
  • Corn
  • Sweet Potato
  • Onion
  • Green Chiles
  • Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
  • Chunky Salsa

To enhance the flavor, even more, this vegan chili is flavored with garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and the secret ingreindt...cocoa powder!

What does cocoa do to chili?

Cocoa is that secret ingredient that takes an amateur chili to a professional chili recipe! Cocoa adds an incredible depth to any chili and enhances the other flavors of the beans and veggies while balancing out the spiciness! It gives your chili dimensions so your tastebuds won't know what's hit them! You won't actually taste "chocolate", but the chili will taste richer and heartier, which is a key to a good meatless chili!

Is meatless chili healthy?

Sure it is! This one is packed with plant protein and veggies. It's also free from all our top allergens, making it a perfect meal that's...

  • Gluten-Free
  • Vegan
  • Allergy-free (Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Peanut-Free, Wheat-Free, Sesame-Free, Grain-Free, Coconut-Free)
  • Oil-Free
  • Sugar-Free
  • Kid-Friendly
  • Veggie and Protein Packed
  • Great for Meal Prepping and Freezing

close-up of slow cooker vegetarian chili in bowl with spoon

What are the best beans for chili?

Since this is a classic three bean chili, the beans you use are important! You need the beans to be hearty and hold up well. You don't want them mushy and falling apart after hours in the slow cooker! You also don't want any single bean to be super pronounced in taste and overwhelm the chili. You want all the ingredients to work together, be firm enough for texture, not mush, and hold up well to hours of cooking (and leftovers!)

That's why Kidney Beans, Black Beans, and Pinto Beans are the best options. They're all hearty, firm, hold shape, and work well with the other spices and ingredients!

What are chili beans?

You may see cans of beans labeled as "chili beans" in your grocery store. These beans are typically Pinto Beans. Typically the liquid they come in is seasoned with chili spices and can be used when you're in a "chili pinch" and want to whip something up on the stove. Just buy Pinto Beans, no added salt or worse, food allergens!

overhead view of slow cooker vegetarian chili in black crockpot

How to make chili in a slow cooker

This is the easiest vegetarian chili possible! It's as simple as cracking open a few cans, chopping up some onion, and sprinkling in some spices!

  1. Chop your onion and put them in the slow cooker first. Turn the slow cooker on to high and let the onions "saute" for a bit while you add everything else.
  2. Drain and rinse all your cans of beans and corn. Add them to the slow cooker along with green chilis, tomatoes, salsa, sweet potato, and spices.
  3. Give everything a good mix and then place the lid on your slow cooker and let the magic happen! Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.

How long can you leave chili in the slow cooker?

As long as you want! You can prep this in the morning and have it cooking all day until dinner. Since this is meatless too, you only need 3-4 hours, but you can let it go longer! You could even let it go overnight and have it ready in the morning! Whether for meal prep or tailgating purposes.

Do you add water to chili in the slow cooker?

No! The chili may seem thick when you initially mix everything around, but as it heats and cooks, you'll end up with the perfect amount of saucy liquid!

How can you thicken chili?

If you want this to be super thick, you can add a few tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot starch. You can also drain the diced tomatoes before adding them.

How long is meatless chili good for?

This vegan chili will keep for up to 7 days in the fridge, reheated in the microwave or in a pot on the stove as needed.

Can you freeze vegetarian chili?

To freeze after you've cooked the chili in your slow cooker or crockpot, let it cool completely, before freezing in an airtight storage container or freezing flat in freezer bags for easy stacking and storing. To reheat the chili from frozen, you can let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat it up as needed in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

What if I don't have a slow cooker?

Well, first...get one. Second, you can make this plant-based chili right on your stovetop in a large pot, following the same directions. Let it simmer on low for at least an hour or two and you'll be good to go!

overheat view of slow cooker vegetarian chili in a bowl with corn chips

What goes well with vegetarian chili?

You have a perfect bowl of cozy meatless chili in front of you, but you have to add some toppings and sides! Chili is great for a cozy winter dinner or an easy party or game day meal! By providing a bunch of topping options you can have your guests customize their bowl to their liking. Set out bowls of:

  • Chopped green onion
  • Shredded vegan cheese
  • Gluten-free corn chips or tortilla strips
  • Vegan sour cream (or plain non-dairy yogurt with a squirt of lemon!)
  • Chopped chives
  • Sliced avocado
  • Fresh Cilantro, Parsley, or Dried Oregano

If you want some yummy side dishes for your chili, give these ideas a try:

  • Rustic Gluten-Free Cornbread
  • Old-Fashioned Gluten-Free Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Mini Cornbread Muffin Bites
  • Classic American Coleslaw
  • Purple Sweet Potato Tater Tots
  • Baked Yucca (Cassava) Fries
  • Potato Smiley Face Fries

Slow Cooker Vegan Chili

spoon and white bowl with slow cooker vegetarian chili

Print

Easy Slow Cooker Vegan Chili (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)

overhead view of slow cooker vegetarian chili in black crockpot
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

This easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili is a dump-and-go crockpot meal you can set and forget! This healthy three bean chili is vegan, gluten-free, allergy-free, and full of plant-based protein, veggies, and bold Southwest flavors! A comforting dinner for a crowd or meatless make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal you can meal prep!

  • Author: Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  • Prep Time: 5 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 Hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 Servings 1x
  • Category: Main, Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American, Southwest

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ Cups Chopped Vidalia Onion
  • 1 15oz Can No Salt-Added Pinto Beans (drained, rinsed)
  • 1 15oz Can No Salt-Added Black Beans (drained, rinsed)
  • 1 15oz Can No Salt-Added Kidney Beans (drained, rinsed)
  • 1 15oz Can No Salt-Added Yellow Corn (drained, rinsed)
  • 1 15oz Can No Salt-Added Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes
  • 1 16oz Jar Thick & Chunky Salsa (mild or hot)
  • 2 Cups Cubed Peeled Sweet Potato (I used frozen)
  • 1 4.5oz Can (½ Cup) Diced Green Chiles
  • 1 TB Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1 Tsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 Tsp Chili Powder
  • ½ Tsp Smoked Paprika
  • ½ Tsp Ground Cumin

Instructions

  1. Chop and add your onion to the bottom of a large 6-quart slow cooker or crockpot. Turn the slow cooker on high while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
  2. Open, drain, and rinse your beans and corn before adding them and the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker. Mix everything together to combine.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Notes

*You can use low sodium canned products if you'd like. It doesn't matter, but you don't want things to salty if the salsa you choose contains a good amount.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Bowl

Keywords: easy chili, meatless chili, vegan chili, slow cooker chili, crockpot chili, gluten-free chili, comfort food, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, grain-free, allergy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, nut-free, peanut-free, coconut-free, grain-free, sesame-free, sugar-free, oil-free, kid-friendly

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @rebeccagf666 on Instagram and hashtag it #strengthandsunshine

collage image of slow cooker vegetarian chili with image text

The best crockpot vegan chili? I think you'll just have to find out for yourself! It's quick to prepare and so easy as a hands-off meal to feed a crowd! I mean, who doesn't love a comforting bowl of chili?

Other Easy Soups and Chilis to Try:

  • Gluten-Free Pasta e Fagioli
  • Comforting Veggie Bean Chili
  • Vegan Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
  • New England Vegan “Clam” Chowder
  • Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
  • Old-Fashioned Potato Soup

So tell me:

+ What do you like eating chili with?

———————————————-

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jimmy Clare

    March 01, 2020 at 9:11 am

    I don't know how you do it but your recipes make hungry

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      March 01, 2020 at 4:38 pm

      Enjoy!

      Reply
      • Madi

        February 13, 2022 at 11:24 am

        I'm going to make this for my vegan girlfriend. Is there no broth or water needed? The pictures look like they have liquid but I'm not sure where it comes from since all the beans are drained and the only liquid is the salsa

        Reply
        • Rebecca Pytell

          February 13, 2022 at 12:35 pm

          No other liquids besides the exact ingredients as instructed.

          Reply
    • Maci

      January 24, 2021 at 11:29 am

      Love this recipe! So easy and delicious! Definitely keeping this one in our meal prep rotation.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Rebecca Pytell

        January 24, 2021 at 1:36 pm

        So glad to hear it!

        Reply
  2. Jo

    February 09, 2020 at 5:48 am

    This looks lovely. The perfect warming comfort food for these cold days we are having!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      February 09, 2020 at 6:46 am

      Right? Exactly!

      Reply
  3. Leslie

    February 08, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    Your Chili looks delicious! I love that you used sweet potato in the mix. I think my husband would love this as well!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      February 08, 2020 at 5:47 pm

      Always gotta throw some potato in!

      Reply
  4. Valentina

    February 08, 2020 at 8:28 am

    I've actually never tried chilli before. It's not a pupular dish in my country. That recipe sound amazing so I think I'll have to try it out and see how I like it 😊

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      February 08, 2020 at 5:46 pm

      Just a thick, WAY better, soup!

      Reply
  5. Zoe Williams

    February 07, 2020 at 11:07 am

    This looks absolutely delicious! I'm trying to eat less meat so I am experimenting with more vegan recipes, so I will definitely be trying this one out next week! Thank you for creating this recipe.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      February 07, 2020 at 5:28 pm

      This will be a great easy meal!

      Reply
  6. Pamela

    February 04, 2020 at 7:06 pm

    This looks delicious! Pined for later, can't wait to make it. So glad I found your blog!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      February 05, 2020 at 7:33 am

      Thanks! Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  7. Michele Morin

    February 04, 2020 at 6:59 am

    chili is on my do list for this week!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      February 04, 2020 at 7:19 am

      Great, enjoy.

      Reply
  8. Sarah-Marie

    February 04, 2020 at 6:04 am

    This looks delicious and a great option for Meat Free Mondays.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      February 04, 2020 at 7:18 am

      Nice and hearty!

      Reply
  9. Lisa

    February 04, 2020 at 5:34 am

    This looks so good! You have made me hungry. There's nothing better than a good chili!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      February 04, 2020 at 7:18 am

      Always warms the soul!

      Reply

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Hey there, welcome to Strength and Sunshine! I’m Rebecca and I'm so glad you're here! This is your go-to destination for delicious, fun, and (mostly) healthy gluten-free and allergy-free recipes, tips & tricks, advice, as well as celiac and food allergy coaching services! More about me



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