Print

Bean and Mushroom Chili

Bean and Mushroom Chili
Print Recipe

This Bean and Mushroom Chili is a cozy, hearty, and flavorful meat-free dish combining earthy mushrooms and tender beans in a rich, spice-infused base. Perfect for vegetarians, budget-friendly, and easily customizable, this chili delivers bold taste and comforting warmth in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Mushrooms & Vegetables

  • 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Spices & Herbs

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika or chipotle powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional heat boosters: 1 jalapeño, finely chopped, or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to release their savory aromas. Slice the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces to help them soak up the chili flavors evenly.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and their moisture evaporates, intensifying their earthy flavor.
  3. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, and any optional spices like smoked paprika. Stir constantly and toast the spices for 1-2 minutes to unlock their full flavor potential.
  4. Pour in Tomatoes and Broth: Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer to create a luscious, flavorful base.
  5. Mix in the Beans: Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the pot. Simmer the chili for at least 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the chili to thicken to your preferred consistency.
  6. Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra chili powder as desired. For more heat, add finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper at this stage.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium canned beans and rinse well to reduce salt content.
  • Don’t skip toasting the spices to deepen flavor complexity.
  • Fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle smoky note that elevates the chili.
  • Simmer gently over low heat to meld flavors better than boiling rapidly.
  • Add fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving to keep freshness and color vibrant.
  • For a creamier texture, mash a few beans against the side of the pot while simmering.

Nutrition

Keywords: bean chili, mushroom chili, vegetarian chili, vegan chili, meatless chili, healthy chili, easy chili recipe

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/bean-and-mushroom-chili/