Looking for a quick, comforting meal that’s both healthy and hearty? This article is all about 5 ingredient vegan chili, the kind of dish that checks every box: fast, flavorful, affordable, and plant-based. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just trying to get dinner on the table without a fuss, this chili delivers. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll whip up a bowl that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Plus, we’ll cover common questions like what goes into vegan chili, how it compares to traditional versions, and even what’s lurking inside canned options.
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Why This 5 Ingredient Vegan Chili is My Weeknight Hero
Chili nights in my crazy kitchen
I’ll be honest: dinner time in my house used to mean panic. I’d open the fridge, see a bunch of half-used ingredients, and freeze. Then one night, overwhelmed and exhausted, I tossed a few cans into a pot with some spices and hoped for the best. That accident turned into this 5 ingredient vegan chili—and it’s been on repeat ever since.
This chili isn’t about being fancy. It’s about feeding people real food with minimal effort. I’m Marissa Hale, a mom of four, and I know exactly how chaotic weeknights can get. But I also know the magic of a recipe that works, every single time. This 5 ingredient vegan chili has saved me on sick days, snow days, and soccer practice nights.
With just beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chili powder, you get a bowl full of flavor and warmth. No meat, no dairy, no complicated steps. And yes, it really does taste like it came from a slow-simmered pot on grandma’s stove. This 5 ingredient vegan chili is fully plant-based, rich in fiber and protein, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
What I love most? It’s endlessly customizable. Add corn or bell pepper if you’ve got them, or serve it over rice when bellies are extra hungry. I sometimes sneak in leftover quinoa or a splash of lime juice just before serving. But even when I stick to the original five, this 5 ingredient vegan chili still gets rave reviews.
If you’re craving more pantry-friendly meals like this, my vegan taco soup and slow cooker lentil stew follow the same no-fuss formula.
Building Flavor with Just 5 Ingredients
What makes 5 ingredient vegan chili work?
You’d think that cutting down to five ingredients might mean cutting out flavor—but not here. The secret to a truly delicious 5 ingredient vegan chili lies in smart choices. Each ingredient earns its place.
First up: canned beans. Kidney beans and black beans are ideal, but use what’s on hand. They bring fiber, protein, and heartiness. Next, fire-roasted diced tomatoes give the chili its rich, slightly smoky base. Don’t skip this—regular canned tomatoes work in a pinch, but roasted adds a depth you can’t fake.
Then come the flavor builders: yellow onion and minced garlic. These form the aromatic base, filling your kitchen with that familiar cozy scent as soon as they hit the pan. Finally, a good scoop of chili powder ties it all together. It gives you warmth and color without needing a dozen spice jars.
That’s it. No meat substitutes, no thickeners, no fuss. Just bold, honest flavor in every bite. This approach is why recipes like my 2-ingredient tomato soup and 3-ingredient hummus pasta are so popular—they deliver on taste without overwhelm.
How to cook it (and when to tweak)
This 5 ingredient vegan chili is designed to be cooked on the stovetop in under 30 minutes. Here’s the method: sauté your onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add chili powder and stir to coat. Then dump in your beans and tomatoes. Let it all simmer for 20 minutes until thickened and bubbly.
Want it thicker? Mash a few beans with your spoon right in the pot. Need more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño. Craving comfort? Serve it with warm cornbread or over a baked potato.
Classic Chili vs. Vegan Simplicity
What are the vegan ingredients in chili?
You might be surprised how much flavor you can get from a vegan chili—especially one with just five ingredients. The core components in this 5 ingredient vegan chili are simple: beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chili powder. These plant-based staples bring protein, fiber, and depth without needing meat or processed substitutes.
Vegan chili ingredients often lean on legumes for heartiness and rely on spices or aromatics for that classic “chili” flavor. Unlike some complicated versions with 15+ items, this one keeps it clean and efficient. And the best part? Everything is either shelf-stable or lasts a long time in the fridge—perfect for those pantry meal nights. That’s why recipes like my chickpea tomato stew are loved by busy readers. They’re built to be simple without being bland.
What are the original ingredients of chili?
Traditional chili traces its roots to the American Southwest, often featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and a heavy hand of spice. Some old-school versions didn’t even include beans—just beef, chili peppers, and garlic.
While meat-based chilis are still common, this 5 ingredient vegan chili proves you can capture the same satisfying warmth without animal products. You’re still getting a robust, stew-like bowl—just made with ingredients that are lighter on your wallet and better for your body.
More importantly, it skips the long simmer time required for tough cuts of meat. This vegan version is on your table in under 30 minutes, without losing any of the boldness that chili lovers crave.
If you’re exploring easy plant-based dinners, check out my vegetable curry with coconut milk—another one-pot winner that’s loaded with flavor and totally beginner-friendly.
Real Flavor and Simple Storage,
The flavor you’ll actually crave
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—this 5 ingredient vegan chili delivers serious flavor. The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, hearty beans, and sautéed garlic and onions brings deep, savory notes that rival traditional chili. Chili powder ties it all together, adding that slow-cooked taste without the wait.
And because you’re working with just five ingredients, each one has room to shine. The texture is thick and satisfying, the aroma fills the kitchen, and every spoonful brings cozy comfort. It’s the kind of meal you crave again and again—especially on chilly nights.
Storage and leftovers
One of the best parts about this vegan chili? It’s even better the next day.
Let the chili cool completely before storing. You can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or veggie broth to bring it back to life.
For easy lunches, pack it into jars or containers you can grab on the go. I’ve even served leftover chili over baked potatoes or tortilla chips for a quick nacho night.
Print
5 Ingredient Vegan Chili Recipe That’s Fast, Hearty & Flavorful
This 5 ingredient vegan chili is a quick, hearty, and flavorful dinner made from pantry staples. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or budget cooking.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
1 can (15 oz) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
2 cans (15 oz each) black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and chili powder, cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add beans and diced tomatoes (with juice).
5. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until thickened.
Notes
Optional add-ins: corn, bell pepper, quinoa.
Serve with cornbread, over rice, or with tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: 5 ingredient vegan chili, easy vegan chili, pantry chili, quick vegan dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the vegan ingredients in chili?
In this 5 ingredient vegan chili, the vegan ingredients are: canned beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chili powder. No animal products, no fillers—just whole, plant-based foods.
What are the original ingredients of chili?
Traditional chili recipes often included beef, chili peppers, garlic, and sometimes tomatoes. Over time, beans were added in some regional styles. This vegan take keeps the heat and heartiness without the meat.
How do you make vegetarian chili?
To make a vegetarian chili, sauté onions and garlic, stir in chili powder, then add canned tomatoes and beans. Simmer everything for 20–30 minutes until thick. This 5 ingredient vegan chili follows that exact method and comes together fast.
What are the ingredients in canned chili?
Most canned chilis—vegan or not—include a long list of additives like sugar, yeast extract, cornstarch, and preservatives. This homemade version skips all that and uses just five pantry staples for a clean, flavorful result.
Conclusion
This 5 ingredient vegan chili is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—not just because it’s fast, but because it works. With simple pantry ingredients, bold flavor, and easy cleanup, it checks all the boxes for a no-stress dinner.
Whether you’re new to plant-based meals or just need something fast and hearty, this chili has your back. It’s proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to serve something that tastes like home.
