I've been making this smoky vegan crockpot chili every winter for years now because it's a lifesaver on weekdays. It's loaded with protein and fiber from lots of veggies and beans and smoky flavor from a handful of spices and herbs. Plus it couldn't be easier to make and I don't have to use any oil. Just throw together all the ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Table of Contents
Oil-free vegan slow cooker chili
I turn to chili ever so often during the cooler months because not only is it super comforting, it's also one of the easiest foods to make when you can't tear yourself away from your work desk or from the comfort of your couch. I have so many chili recipes on the blog and two of my favorites for ease of preparation are my vegan Instant Pot chili and this slow cooker chili.
There are so many reasons I love this chili recipe. For one, cooking the meatless chili in the crockpot builds delicious flavor and it makes the house smell like heaven all day. What's also great about this chili is that it's very, very customizable. I can add to it all the stragglers in the fridge - this time I had half a butternut squash, a bell pepper and a handful of mushrooms along with celery, carrots and onions. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes. And you can use any beans you have sitting in your pantry. My favorite combination is black beans and pinto beans, but you can use just one kind.
My best tip to make sure this vegan chili turns out as fabulous as it's meant to be is to season generously and to your taste. I add ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, oregano, and chili powder. The chili powder, which I make at home, has many of the same seasonings but it's made from whole, roasted spices and it enhances the smokiness of the chili.
When I first posted this recipe in 2013, it was part of a book review I did on Dr. Joel Furhman's "Eat to Live" cookbook. I've since made several tweaks to his original recipe while keeping it oil-free, and that's the version I'm sharing today.
The chili is soy-free, nut-free and vegan. This recipe makes four very hearty servings - perfect to slurp up for a satisfying dinner that won't leave you feeling heavy. Instead of sour cream and cheese, I top my chili bowl with avocados, onions and cilantro. You can also serve the chili over quinoa or brown rice if you're very hungry.
Perfection! I will definitely make this again!
-Lynn
Recipe card
Vegan Crockpot Chili (No Oil)
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 3 stalks celery (finely diced)
- 1 medium carrot (finely diced)
- 1 bell pepper (any color, finely diced)
- ½ small butternut squash (about one pound, peeled and diced)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms or button mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 medium tomatoes (diced, or use two 14 oz cans of diced tomatoes with all the juices)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups canned or cooked pinto beans (strained)
- 2 cups canned or cooked black beans (strained)
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place all the vegetables in the crockpot - onions, celery, carrot, butternut squash, bell peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes. Add the garlic.
- Add the pinto beans, black beans, water, paprika, cumin, coriander, chili powder and oregano. Mix and stir in salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for seven hours or on high for three hours. Mix and add more salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add sweetness to this recipe, and I prefer them to canned. But if you don't have fresh tomatoes on hand, use canned, diced tomatoes.
- Beans: If you cook the beans from scratch, reserve the cooking water to use instead of water in the recipe.
- Chili powder: I strongly recommend using a homemade chili powder like this one for the best flavor. But you can also use your favorite store bought brand of chili powder.
Nutrition Information
To print recipe card without images, uncheck "instruction images" after clicking the "print recipe" button.
How to make vegan crockpot chili
Layer the vegetables
Place onions, celery, carrots, bell peppers, butternut squash, mushrooms and garlic in crockpot.
Add beans and seasonings
Add the pinto beans, black beans, cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano and chili powder to the crockpot.
Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for seven hours or on high for three hours.
Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls and add optional toppings, including diced or sliced avocados, red onions and cilantro. Serve hot.
Vegan crockpot chili FAQs
Red kidney beans and black-eyed peas would both work nicely.
You absolutely can. There is so much flavor from the spices and herbs, you really don't need much salt or any salt at all.
Yes, but try and make sure you balance flavors so you have a mix of sweet vegetables like winter squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, spicy vegetables like bell peppers and onions, vegetables that have an astringent flavor like celery, turnips and green beans, and vegetables that add umami like mushrooms.
Vegetables, beans and spices all have small quantities of fat so this chili is not "fat-free." But it has no added oil and just 2 grams of total fat per serving.
Yes, you can freeze the chili for up to four months. It also can be stored in the fridge for four days after you make it. Reheat the chili until it's warmed through before serving.
First posted Dec. 31, 2013, updated and re-published on Feb. 6, 2026.
Paula Lepler says
This mushroom chili looks great! I am attempting to drink more water and amp up my veggie intake this year, while decreasing "bad" carbs.
paula rothman says
to be more patient with others when educating about vegan lifestyle
Krithika says
Hi Vaishali,I enjoy reading your posts! My New Year resolution is to incorporate more fruits and veggies into my diet. I recently got myself a Nutribullet and have been using it diligently.
Vaishali says
Hi Krithika, great resolution. I have never used the Nutribullet but it sounds like a good tool.
Teneko says
Oh my! I came here for the first time today while searching for some dairy-free alternatives for Palak Paneer.
My NY Resolution? I need to be more strict about being gluten-free. Too often, I sneak in a little something at a restaurant that I know probably has gluten in the sauce and think it won't be a problem...but sadly, it is.
Hand in hand with that is to take the time to cook more for myself and my fiancé. There is a bag of red lentils in my cupboard begging to be made into dal soup!
lavanya says
Hi vaishali
long time reader . I have enjoyed reading your posts over the years and trying a lot. I have been diagnosed diabetic recently. My goal for 2014 is to make changes in the food andlifestyle so I can try and beat it.
Vaishali says
Hi Laavanya, thanks for the comment! I am thrilled you've enjoyed the blog. Good luck with your health. As you likely already know, a vegan diet is highly beneficial for diabetics and I hope you will beat it!
Peace says
Have more meaningful conversations.
Sunila says
Wishing you and your dear ones a Very Happy Healthy & Peaceful New Year!
Was browsing through T.S.Eliot 's verses on the last day of 2013 and promptly decided upon his last line..."
... And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
-- T. S. Eliot
And so I shall , by carving some quality time for - spending more time with family, my reading, volunteer work, & looking at the positive side of life !..
Vaishali says
Sunila, that's lovely. Here's to carving more quality time and looking at the positive side of life! 🙂
Twilla Hill says
My resolution is to live a more healthy life and get as many of my family and friends to do the same
Vaishali says
Sounds wonderful, Twilla. Good luck, and hope you get to your goals!
One Vegan Fatty says
My resolution is to quit procrastinating and see my projects through to completion!
Vaishali says
A noble resolution! Good luck, and hope this new year gets you to your goals.
Vijaya says
Hi Vaishali!
Happy new year to you. My new year's resolution is to inspire people around me to lose weight that they have always wanted to (atleast get them started). I lost 85 lbs in 2013 myself 🙂
Vaishali says
Vijaya, that is amazing- kudos to you, and maybe you could keep me on track too. 🙂
thesingingmama says
My new year resolution is to take it easy and spend more time with my family.
Vaishali says
Spending more time with family is on my list too. Happy new year!
chitra says
Happy New Year Vaishali! I hope I will watch less TV and read more.
Vaishali says
Hi Chitra, I could definitely use that resolution -- watching less TV -- although I don't know if I dare do it. 🙂 I am hopelessly addicted. 🙂 A very happy new year to you.
Diana says
My resolution is to cook. more. indian. food! In fact I came to your blog tonight in search of inspiration. Oh how I miss those delicious flavors from my time in India. I love your blog, your chattering and all the delicious recipes you post for us to drool over. I often wish I could be a recipe tester in your kitchen!! Happy New Year Vaishali! ~Diana
Vaishali says
Diana, a very happy new year to you! I would love to have you as a recipe taster in my kitchen, or at the least as a guest for dinner if you ever happen to be in town. Thanks for your kind words!
Vaishali says
Hi Vani, those are great resolutions, and ones I have no doubt you will accomplish. I am in awe of anyone who can run a marathon. I plan to post even more gluten-free recipes this year, so stay tuned for those. A very happy new year to you.
Anusha says
Your husband is right ..... For me, what truly sets your blog apart is your passionate style of writing, especially about being a vegan. When I receive one of your mails, I run to open it as much for the chatter as for your recipe. You have an unique style of writing that pulls the reader in. I truly enjoy reading your blog. My new year resolution is to be more patient with my kids and lose 20 pounds... Tell me who doesn't want to lose weight? 🙂 😉 Happy new year wishes to you and your family. 🙂 Here is looking forward to a healthy, peaceful and happy 2014 !!! 🙂
Vaishali says
Hi Anusha, thank you for your very kind message-- you made my day. 🙂 I promise to chatter more -- I definitely want to. And yes, who doesn't want to lose weight? I definitely need to. And I could also definitely use some patience in my life. A very happy new year to you and your family.
Glait says
To Paint and draw more.
Vaishali says
How lovely. Here's wishing you a 2014 full of beauty and color.
Linda says
My apologies if myfirstcomment went through, but it looked like something went wrong. My resolution is to gain control of my health this year. I love your photos as always!
Linda says
The chili photos look amazing! I have missed your blog- liked you on Facebook but rarely get updates. I will subscribe again today. My New Years resolution is to gain control of my health again. I was very sick these last two years and handed things over to my doctors who did a great job, but it's time for me to wean off meds and live life with independent joy again;)
Vaishali says
Hi Linda, You sound determined and I know you will do it. here's wishing you a 2014 full of good health and happiness.
Jennifer Arent says
My resolution this year is to not participate in self-hatred. I get depressed and get in a downward spiral of binge eating. 2014 is the year I break free of my disorder!
Vaishali says
Jennifer, not participating in self-hatred is a good resolution, and one many of us could adopt. It's certainly going on my list. Thanks for the inspiration.
N says
To be more patient with my kids and to work on better self care:)
Happy new year!
Vaishali says
N, Happy new year, and that's a great resolution.
Joanne T Ferguson (@mickeydownunder) says
G'day! The recipe and photo look yum and healthy, true!
Happy New Year! Cheers! Joanne
Vaishali says
Thanks, Joanne, and very happy new year to you.
kathy aday says
Your recipies always sound delicious!! My resolution is to keep working out and lose my belly fat.
Vaishali says
Thanks, Kathy.
Deborah says
I hope to become more active from my sedentary life (had breast cancer last year and can't seem to get going again). Love your blog and following it for years. Don't worry about posting too much chat, what you do for us is very appreciated even without it.
Vaishali says
Deborah, kudos to you for getting so far! I have a feeling this new year is going to be really great for you. 🙂 Thanks for your kind words about the blog.
Kitty says
I want to exercise more.
Vaishali says
Ditto.
Ellen Lederman says
I organize the Atlanta Vegan and Healthy Lifestyle Celebration Meetup. I have some members who aren't vegan or even vegetarian. And some of the vegans are far from nutrarians. I resolve to learn a little more about the nutritarian philosophy and techniques to help them make better choices. It's not enough just to say that vegan food is yummy, cruelty-free, and "healthy"----have to really become an expert in this. I've heard of Dr. Fuhrman, but never read any of his books. Would love it and make good use of it!
Was really scared when I couldn't get on to your site a few minutes ago (looking for the mango quick bread recipe). Glad you are up and running and that I can look forward to your blog for 2104! By the way, your banana cupcake muffins with the peanut butter frosting are great---but I had some frosting left over. You'll never guess how I used it up? Warmed up, as a dip for apple slices. Yum! So I got double mileage out of your recipe.
Anonymous says
To maintain a regular meditation practice.
Vaishali says
I've been resolving to start meditating for ever now and never did it. This might be the year. Thanks for the inspiration.
twoveganboys says
Happy New Year. My resolutions are: garden more, make great gf foods for my autistic son, and cherish every moment with my boys, and my husband.
twoveganboys says
Happy New Year. My resolutions are: garden more, make more gf eats, and treats for my autistic son, and cherish every moment with my beautiful boys, and husband. -Krys
Vaishali says
Krys, those are great resolutions. Here's wishing you great success, and a very happy 2014 to you, your husband and your boys.
Samantha V. says
My New Years Resolution is to get my family on board to eating healthy.
Vaishali says
Me too!
Boiling says
To have less milk and milk products. I am a vegetarian but I am decreasing my dairy intake for health reasons
Vaishali says
That's wonderful. A happy new year to you!