Plant-Based Chili in Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Plant-Based Chili is my signature Chili recipe made meatless! With only 15 minutes of hands-on time, it isn’t labor-intensive. Plus it’s healthy and delicious!

You might not think of chili as an easy dish, but this vegan chili version will change your mind. It’s fabulous, it’s healthy and it can be ready in about a about 4 hours using a slow cooker so prep or 30 minutes on stovetop.
This is a take of my beef chili shared on Muy Delish but turned into a plant-based version. Added more beans, lentils and a little tofu for good measure. The spices really add depth and richness of flavor, so try not to skip any of them.
Like all good chilis, they taste better the next day!


Plant-Based Chili (Slow Cooker)
Equipment
- Large Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 15 ounce can red kidney beans or black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup dry lentils
- 8 ounces extra firm tofu (optional) grounded
- 29 ounces tomato juice (1 quart)
- 1 medium onion chopped into small cubes
- ¾ cup celery chopped into small cubes
- ½ cup green bell pepper chopped into small cubes
- 3 Tablespoon chili powder use ¼ cup for a more spicy chili
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ⅕ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Turn the crockpot to high to start warming it up and add all ingredients.
- **See note below for cooking it on stovetop.
- Cover the slow-cooker with lid and let the chili simmer for 4 hours on low.
- Serve warm with crackers or cornbread.
ANA’S Notes:
- In a large pot, add all ingredients.
- Simmer, stirring often, for 45 to 1 hour or until all of the flavors have developed well. Make sure not to cook it on very strong heat since it’ll dry it out too quickly.
- Stir often so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
Whenever you come back to this recipe, you’ll be able to see your notes.
Nutrition

A super healthy and delicious vegan chili!