Whole Food Plant-Based Chili (Slow Cooker)

This whole food plant-based chili uses two types of beans and quinoa to give it a hearty texture.  Simmer everything together in a slow cooker with some delightful spices for an easy filling dinner.  It thickens up after hours of cooking creating: a fuss-free, oil-free, and gluten-free meal.

Leftover chili usually tastes even better the next day, making this vegan gluten-free chili perfect for meal prepping.  It even freezes well!  I like to reserve a portion and freeze it for when we have nachos.  

I thaw the frozen chili in the refrigerator the day before I use it and warm it up in a pot before serving.  It's really delicious on top of tortilla chips (or oil-free roasted potatoes) with vegan nacho cheese, diced-up tomatoes, and guacamole.  

Tips for WFPB Chili

• Finely dice the onion and jalapeño to ensure there are no large pieces.
• I think that one of the things that make a good chili is the chili powder.  I make it at home using this recipe: it calls for chipotle powder which adds a lovely flavor to the chili powder.  Sometimes I reduce the amount of cayenne pepper to cut back on the heat.  Making your own chili powder ensures it’s salt-free, so you can control the salt in your food.  I also think it tastes way better than a lot of store-bought brands.
• There's no need to thaw the frozen corn.
• I’ve only tested this recipe with white and tri-color quinoa, either one works.
• The recipe uses black beans and pinto beans, but kidney beans would work great too.  
• I use my homemade vegetable broth made from kitchen scraps to infuse more flavor. Look for low sodium if you use store-bought vegetable broth.

How to Make Oil-Free Vegan Chili in a Slow Cooker

Dice the onion and jalapeño, crush or finely mince the garlic, and rinse off the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer.  Sautéing the onion and jalapeño first will give the chili a little more depth of flavor, but I personally don’t bother with the extra dishes. 

If you do sauté, it ensures the veggies are cooked through.  Another option is to just finely cut the veggies.  

Then add everything to the crockpot and stir to combine, making sure the tomato paste is mixed in. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2 ½-3 hours, or until the quinoa is done.  The chili will have thickened up.

Toppings

• Sprinkle nutritional yeast for a slightly cheesy flavor
• Vegan sour cream or cashew lime crema
• Diced red onions
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocado or guacamole

Serving Suggestions

• Serve it over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
• With vegan cornbread
• Make chili nachos by topping tortilla chips with chili and nacho cheese.
• Use it to make potato nachos, roast large diced potatoes then top with chili and vegan nacho cheese.
• Try it with fresh greens and guacamole or cashew lime crema to make a chili Buddha bowl.

Is the Chili Spicy?

To make the chili less spicy remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño and use less chili powder.  Chili powders vary greatly on heat level so adjust according to the brand or homemade recipe you’re using.  Vegan sour cream and avocado will also help cool down the heat.  

To make the chili spicier, leave the seeds and ribs in the jalapeños.  Then top the chili with your favorite hot sauce.

Storing and Reheating

Cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  Wait on adding the toppings until you’re ready to eat.  Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on a stovetop.  Stir occasionally while reheating.  

Can you Freeze Chili?

The chili can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for about 3 months.  Label the container with a date to know how long it’s been frozen.  If freezing, leave room at the top of the container for expansion.  Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

More Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes

• Slow cooker vegetable broth
• Slow cooker marinara sauce

More Hearty Recipes

• Instant Pot Red Lentil Chili (which includes instructions for the stovetop)
• White Bean Potato Soup
• Butternut Squash Chickpea Curry Soup
• Vegan Potato Curry 
• Red Lentil Dal with Coconut Milk
• Spicy Chickpea Stew with Zucchini
• Peanut Tempeh Bowl

More Plant-Based Weeknight Meals

• Oil-free fried rice
• Chickpea vegetable rice bowl
• Vegan chickpea tuna salad
• Vegan loaded baked potato with cheese and broccoli

I love slow cooker meals!  Just throw everything in a pot and dinner is done.  I sure hope you enjoy this whole food plant-based chili recipe!

Originally posted on August 16, 2018, updated on November 9, 2021.

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