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Quick Vegetarian Lentil and Bean Chili

Rich, hearty chili served in the glass Anyday dish, packed with flavor from simmered beans, lentils, tomatoes, and spices. Microwave-prepared for a quick, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup, this chili stays fresh and ready in the fridge.
PT5M PT5M

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5-6 mins

Free Time

to warm up some cornbread

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Quick Vegetarian Lentil and Bean Chili

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This quick and easy chili comes together in under 15 minutes— microwave all in one Anyday dish. It’s the ultimate one-pot wonder! The key to this recipe is to thoroughly mix the meat with liquid before adding the beans, ensuring everything blends smoothly. In no time, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful chili perfect for any occasion.

Make it your own and use your favorite beans (or whatever you have in the cabinet!). Black, kidney, cannellini, or garbanzo beans all work in this recipe. Be sure to make a big batch! Leftover chili is always better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld together. Cook, serve, store, and reheat all in the same dish, making it as convenient as it is delicious.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Pairs well with

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  • 4-6
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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup (60g) diced red bell pepper, seeded
  • ½ cup (70g) canned kidney or black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup (85g) canned or cooked lentils, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup (85g) canned fired roasted corn, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup (200g) canned diced or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable stock
  • 1½ teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt, to taste

Preparation

  1. Add all of the ingredients to an Anyday Dish and stir to combine. Cover with lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 5-6 minutes, or until the chili is heated through and steaming hot.
  3. Season to taste and serve as desired.

Suggestions

  • Classic toppings: Top the chili with sour cream or plant-base alternative and pickled jalapeños for a flavorful kick.
  • Perfect pairings: Enjoy it with cornbread, toasted bread, or Fritos for a delightful crunch.
  • Hearty baked potato: Serve the chili over a baked potato for a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Savory rice bowl: Serve the chili over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling and flavorful meal.

Recipe Notes

  • Feel free to use any cooked beans you have on hand! The chili will turn out just as delicious.
  • For added convenience, use frozen diced peppers instead of fresh ones.
  • To make the prep process easier, dump the cans of lentils, corn, and beans into an Anyday dish. Clip on the silicone Strainer to the Anyday dish and add water. Swirl the dish around to loosen up the excess liquid, taking care to not break up the beans, and drain.
  • Freeze portions of chili in Anytime Freezer Trays and store in the freezer for up to 4 months. Reheat in Small dishes as needed.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Vegetarian Lentil and Bean Chili in the Microwave

What is vegetarian chili?

Vegetarian chili is a hearty and flavorful meat-free meal made with beans, lentils, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. Inspired by Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, it's packed with seasonings like cumin, chili powder, and paprika for a bold, savory flavor. This comforting dish is versatile and easily customizable, making it a household favorite that can be enjoyed any time of year.

Can I make chili in the microwave?

Yes, you can make chili in the microwave with Anyday! Cooking vegetarian chili in the microwave takes just about 15 minutes, compared to nearly an hour on the stovetop, with no loss of flavor or texture. Plus, there’s no need for multiple pots and pans, making cleanup simple and quick.

Can I make chili ahead of time? How long can I save it?

Everyone knows that chili's even better the next day, making this vegetarian version perfect for making ahead. After cooking, allow the chili to cool in the Anyday dish with the lid on. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, ready to enjoy for easy weeknight dinners or lunches.

Can I freeze chili?

Absolutely! You can freeze chili directly in Anyday dishes or portion it into our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays for convenient servings. The chili will stay fresh for up to 4 months, and the lids on our dishes and trays prevent freezer burn and keep odors out.

What’s the best way to reheat chili?

Reheating chili is super easy with Anyday! If reheating from the fridge, microwave the chili in an Anyday dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For frozen portions, place them in an Anyday dish and microwave at full power for 4-8 minutes, depending on the portion size. For more tips on reheating frozen meals, check out our blog: Reheating Frozen Food.

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