Chili with Roasted Vegetables (Healthy Twist)

Add a Healthy Twist to Classic Chili with Roasted Veggies!

Craving chili but want to keep it light, plant-based, and packed with nutrients? This Roasted Vegetable Chili takes the cozy comfort of traditional chili and gives it a healthy, flavorful spin. Made with smoky roasted vegetables, hearty beans, and warming spices, this one-pot wonder is perfect for Meatless Mondays, fall dinners, or healthy meal prep.

And the best part? No pork, no alcohol, and no unnecessary additives — just wholesome, satisfying goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Vegetable Chili

• ✅ Vegan and gluten-free

• ✅ Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants

• ✅ Perfect for batch cooking and freezing

• ✅ Customizable with your favorite vegetables

• ✅ Deliciously smoky and comforting without being heavy

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

🌽 Roasted Vegetables:

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 1 zucchini, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

• 1 red onion, quartered

• 1 cup butternut squash cubes (or sweet potatoes)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

🍅 Chili Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (trust us—it adds depth!)

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 1½ cups vegetable broth (low sodium)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• Juice of 1 lime

🌿 Optional Toppings:

• Diced avocado

• Fresh cilantro

• Vegan sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Lime wedges

• Crushed tortilla chips

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🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔪 Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

H4: Build Flavor Right from the Start

Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delicious smoky flavor.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss the chopped carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and squash with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and lightly charred.

🍲 Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven:

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.

3. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon.

4. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

🍅 Step 3: Add the Chili Base

1. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

2. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn, and broth.

3. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

🥣 Step 4: Stir in the Roasted Veggies

Once the chili base has thickened and flavors melded:

1. Add the roasted vegetables.

2. Stir well and let simmer for another 5 minutes.

3. Add lime juice for brightness.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed — more salt, a dash of hot sauce, or another squeeze of lime.

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🧑‍🍳 Chef’s Tips for the Best Veggie Chili

🔥 Don’t Skip the Roasting

Roasting intensifies the flavor and adds a touch of char, which enhances the chili’s smoky depth.

🫘 Mix Up Your Beans

Don’t like black beans? Sub in pinto or cannellini. Use what you love or have on hand.

❄️ Freezer Friendly

Let the chili cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers. Lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.

🥄 Adjust Texture

Use a potato masher to lightly mash the chili if you prefer a thicker texture.

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🌿 Health Benefits of Roasted Vegetable Chili

This chili isn’t just hearty and comforting — it’s packed with plant-based nutrition:

• Carrots and bell peppers: Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C

• Beans: High in fiber and plant-based protein

• Tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants like lycopene

• No saturated fat, no cholesterol, and low in sodium when using homemade or low-sodium broth

This is a meal that supports heart health, digestion, and long-lasting energy.

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🕒 Meal Prep & Storage

🍱 How to Store

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge.

🔁 How to Reheat

• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally.

• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

🍽️ Meal Prep Ideas

• Serve with a side of brown rice or quinoa.

• Pair with a slice of cornbread (vegan or gluten-free, if needed).

• Make chili-stuffed baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.

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❓FAQs About Roasted Vegetable Chili

❔ Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! Roast the veggies as directed, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

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❔ Can I add protein?

Absolutely! While this is a plant-based recipe, you can stir in:

• Cooked lentils

• Tempeh crumbles

• Quinoa for added texture and protein

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❔ Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. The chili powder adds warmth but not too much heat. For spicier chili, add jalapeño, chipotle in adobo (check ingredients for alcohol-free), or a dash of hot sauce.

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❔ Can I skip the roasting step?

Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. Roasting enhances the flavor in a way that stovetop sautéing alone cannot.

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🥘 Serving Suggestions

🍞 With Cornbread

A classic! Choose gluten-free or vegan versions as needed.

🥑 Topped with Avocado

Creamy avocado slices pair beautifully with the smoky chili.

🥗 Light Side Salad

A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the chili.

Variations to Try

🌶️ Smoky Chipotle Chili

Add a minced chipotle pepper in adobo (alcohol-free) for a smoky kick.

🍠 Sweet Potato & Black Bean

Substitute the squash for sweet potatoes and add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweeter profile.

🧄 Garlic Lover’s Chili

Double the garlic and top with garlic oil for a rich twist.

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🌍 Sustainable and Budget-Friendly

Roasted Vegetable Chili is a budget-friendly, zero-waste recipe. Use what’s in season or in your fridge, making it perfect for reducing food waste. Beans and canned tomatoes are pantry staples that stretch your grocery budget while delivering on taste and nutrition.

Final Thoughts: Cozy, Clean, and Comforting (continued)

This Roasted Vegetable Chili proves that you don’t need meat, alcohol, or complicated ingredients to create a bold, comforting, and deeply satisfying meal. With its roasted vegetables, smoky spices, and nourishing beans, it’s the kind of dish that feeds your soul without compromising your health or dietary values.

Whether you’re prepping it for a week of healthy lunches, cooking for a fall dinner party, or simply craving a big bowl of something warm and hearty — this chili delivers on every level.