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

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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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

So tell me:

+ What do you like eating chili with?

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