Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili Recipe

This Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili is made with easy-to-find canned beans and a slew of southwest spices. It’s bright, colorful, and uplifting, and thanks to the Instant Pot, it cooks in minutes rather than hours.

With tons of fiber and protein, this hearty, healthy Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili is a great weeknight dinner as well.

Chili is the epitome of a crowd-pleasing meal that some of us frequently prepare for visitors.

If you have a pressure cooker, why not make this Instant Pot vegetarian chili?

This is loaded with beans, veggies, and lentils to boost the plant-based protein.

This Instant Pot chili is savory and hearty, perfect for serving any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Chili

• Healthy and hearty vegetarian meal.
• Quick and easy to make and filling enough.
• Interesting and delicious and can be served for various occasions.
• The ingredients are easy to find.
• The recipe is easy to follow.

Equipment Needed to Make Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

• Instant Pot

Ingredients For Your Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

• vegetable broth
• yellow bell pepper, chopped
• carrots
• black beans (canned), drained and rinsed
• pinto beans (canned), drained and rinsed
• dried lentils (any kind)
• corn
• cumin
• crushed tomatoes
• cayenne pepper
• Tomato paste

To garnish:

• Sour cream
• Grated cheddar cheese

How To Make Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

Step 1: Sauté Mode

Set the instant pot to the sauté setting. When the pot is hot, add the oil, onion, and peppers. Cook for 6 minutes.

Step 2: Pour vegetable broth into the inner pot of the Instant Pot.

Add bell pepper, carrots, black beans, pinto beans, lentils and corn.

Stir so that all veggies and beans are submerged in broth.

Step 3: Top off with cumin, cayenne pepper, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste.

Set to manual high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a 10-minute NPR.

Top with garnishes of your choice, like sour cream, cheese, etc. Serve and enjoy!

What to Serve with Your Vegetarian Chili

Sides

This dish is best served with a side of salad, bread, and even with veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

Desserts

Whatever dessert you have will complement the savory flavor of this vegetarian chili well.

Cocktails

This vegetarian chili is good with whatever cocktail you have. Just serve it with bread, and this is a good combination. 

Popular Substitutions & Additions

If you want dried beans instead of pre-cooked ones, increase the cooking time and add more water.

Also, red lentils are the only type of lentil that can be cooked with salt in a pressure cooker.

If you use another type of lentil, such as green or brown, omit the salt during the cooking cycle and add it at the end, just before serving; otherwise, the lentils will never become tender.

This recipe is easily adaptable to use whatever ingredients you have on hand.

How Store Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

Best Way To Store Vegetarian Chili Leftover

Allow the leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

How Long Will Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili Last In the Fridge?

Vegetarian chili can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days and frozen for 3 months.

Can I Reheat Vegetarian Chili

Gently reheat the chili in a large pot over medium heat until warmed through, adding splashes of broth or water if it becomes too thick.

This chili can also be reheated in the microwave.

FAQs

Is it possible for me to prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Chop the peppers, garlic, and onions. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook, up to one day in advance. When ready to prepare, finish cooking as directed.

Is it possible to freeze vegetarian chili?

Yes. Chili freezes extremely well and is ideal for last-minute dinners. Allow the chili to cool before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for 4 to 6 months, covered.

Is vegetarian chili healthy?

Beans and meatless crumbles are high in fiber and vegetarian protein, which helps keep you full and your body strong. The combination of vegetables, low-sodium, lean proteins, and spices makes this chili a heart-healthy dish for the entire family.

Can I add toppings for my Instant Pot vegetarian chili?

Yes. You can add toppings, such as hot sauce and lime.

Can I add tofu to my vegetarian chili?

Yes. Tofu is perfectly safe to eat daily for vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike. This delectable plant-based protein can be added to this dish and is an excellent meat substitute in a vegan diet.