This Quick & Hearty Vegan Chili is the perfect solution when craving the bold flavors and comforting warmth of chili—without the wait or the meat! Bursting with wholesome vegetables and robust mixed beans, it’s layered with aromatic spices and finished with ground flax seeds for a naturally thick and satisfying texture. Unlike the chili that simmers all afternoon, this version is ready in under an hour, letting you enjoy a nourishing meal that’s as easy as it is flavorful.
Each bite brings together sweet bell pepper, earthy mushrooms, and bright carrots with just the right balance of chili powder and cumin for a mild, crowd-pleasing taste. The flax seeds not only add nutrition but help bring everything together in a lovely, cohesive bowl. Serve this chili steaming hot, paired with soft pita bread or your favorite crusty loaf, for a weeknight dinner or a quick weekend lunch that feels like a treat. This vegan creation is sure to become a go-to staple when you want comfort, speed, and satisfying flavor all in one pot.
Quick & Hearty Vegan Chili
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/3 cup minced carrot
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup minced cremini mushrooms
- 1 (19 ounce) can mixed beans, drained
- 1 1/2 cups canned diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground flax seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 pinches ground black pepper
Instructions
Warm the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red bell pepper, yellow onion, carrot, and garlic, cooking until the vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, about 8-10 minutes. Mix in the cremini mushrooms and cook for another minute.
Transfer this vegetable mixture to a pot. Stir in the mixed beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, chili powder, ground flax seeds, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring now and then for maximum flavor melding.
Notes
Tips:
For a touch of heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño along with the bell pepper or sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes to taste., Let the chili rest a few minutes before serving—it thickens even more as it sits, making each spoonful extra luscious., If preferred, swap in black or kidney beans for the mixed beans for a different flavor profile.
