Vegetarian Instant Pot Chili

I can’t get enough of this Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili recipe! It is so chunky and hearty, even meat-lovers will be pleased. Thanks to a combination of beans, lentils and butternut squash, this vegetarian chili recipe will rival any meat-based chili out there.

Let’s cut to the chase, this vegetarian chili is:

• Ready in less than an hour!
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Low-fat
• Smoky
• Slightly spicy
• Savory
• PACKED with textures and flavors
• Great as leftovers

Easy Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili…with canned beans?

It may sound counterintuitive to use canned beans in an Instant Pot recipe. And most of the time I would agree with you. BUT, after doing some testing and balancing the cook time of the butternut squash, lentils and beans, I found that relying on canned beans created the simplest cooking process, and the best texture of all the components. 

It also means you don’t have to think ahead—no soaking of beans required—you just need to open a couple cans. 🙂 

What’s in vegetarian chili?

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of vegetarian chili recipes out there. Where I think most vegetarian chili recipes go wrong is in lack of composition and flavor building. Too often vegetarian chili recipes are simply a pot of veggies thrown together and covered with diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.

The problem with this is that it isn’t going to be a satisfying vegetarian meal. When we can’t rely on meat for texture, protein and flavor, we have to find a way to add those things. And in a way that will truly satisfy. 

To tackle the protein issue, I made sure to use a combination, and an adequate amount, of plant-based proteins—beans and lentils. 

The combination of beans and lentils also bulks up the texture and somewhat resembles meat. Additionally, using large chunks of butternut squash creates textural interest and color. 

Lastly, flavor. Achieving a savory, umami-like flavor in meatless dishes is always a challenge. Here, I used a splash of soy sauce and some tomato paste to add depth and savoriness.

How to make easy vegetarian chili (step-by-step)

1. Cook onion and peppers in Instant Pot on Sauté function. 
2. Add tomato paste, chipotle, garlic, and spices.
3. Cook 2 minutes. 
4. Deglaze with water.
5. Add squash, tomatoes, and lentils. 
6. Lock lid in place, close pressure valve, cook on low pressure for 11 minutes. 
7. Quick-release pressure.
8. Stir in beans and soy sauce; season with salt to taste.

Make this vegetarian chili on the stove top:

Use a Dutch oven or large pot instead of an Instant Pot. 

Follow the recipe as written, cooking over medium-high heat on the stove top, up until the step of locking the lid and pressure cooking. Instead, partially cover the pot with a lid and simmer the chili until lentils are tender and butternut squash is fork-tender, 30–40 minutes.
Stir in beans and honey; allow to heat through and serve. 

Make this vegetarian chili in a slow-cooker/crock pot:

Sauté the onions and peppers in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomato paste, chipotle and adobo, garlic and spices and cook 1 minute; scrape into an 8-quart slow-cooker. 

Add water, squash, tomatoes, lentils and soy sauce; cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4 hours. 

Stir in beans and honey, cover and let cook 10 minutes more until heated through. 

Chili Toppings Ideas:

• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Shredded Cheddar, Chihuahua cheese, or Cotija cheese
• Picked onions or pickled jalapeños
• Corn chips
• Scallions or diced white onion
• Diced radish

What to serve with vegetarian chili:

• Healthy Cornbread
• Kale and Cherry Salad
• Avocado Grapefruit Salad
• Make chili mac! Stir in some elbow noodles (and some additional water) and cook until noodles are al dente, top with cheese. 

You may also like…

• Our Quick Chili is a great weeknight fall dinner!
• Chipotle Black Bean Chili
• Slow Cooker Turkey Wild Rice Soup
• Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Make sure to tag me @ZESTFULKITCHEN ON INSTAGRAM or comment below if you make this Vegetarian Instant Pot Chili!

To pin this recipe and save it for later, you can click the button on any of the photos, or the red button on the side bar or below the recipe. Happy cooking!

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