Vegetarian Chili with Seasoning Mix
Last Updated on May 29, 2023 by Heather Reseck
The Advantages of Seasoning Mixes
You can save time and money by making your own seasoning mixes. Plus, you can control what goes into them, which translates into healthier ingredients and avoidance of chemicals.
When you assemble dry ingredients and seasonings and turn them into make-ahead mixes you create your own convenience foods. That checks all the boxes for healthy eating in a hurry:
- Delicious!
- Nutritious!
- Expeditious!
That’s a triple win!
Once you have them made, they offer the convenience of purchased mixes but with a healthier nutritional profile.
Time-Saving Chili Seasoning Mixes
By having Vegetarian Chili Seasoning Mixes on hand, you can make chili quickly. For me, this saves a lot of time since we eat Vegetarian Chili every week. It’s so versatile and flavorful. We enjoy using it for Haystacks or Layered Taco Salad, Burrito Bowls, and so many other ways. See How to Turn One Pot of Chili into 10 Dinners. I make a big batch in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Then I freeze Vegetarian Chili for future meals.
How to Use Vegetarian Chili Seasoning Mix
It couldn’t be easier! No onions to chop. Nothing to measure…except for the beans and water.
- 1. Rinse 1 pound (2 ½ cups) of pinto beans and drain. Transfer to a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- 2. Add 6 cups water, one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, and the seasoning packet.
- 3. Pressure cook in the Instant Pot for 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes.
Variations for Cooking
Slow Cooker: cook in a slow cooker on low for 14-16 hours; on high for 8-10 hours.
Stove Top: Cook on the stove, covered, with 7 cups water, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and darker in color, about 2-3 hours.)
Vegetarian Chili with Make-Ahead Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 Chili Seasoning Mix
Instructions
- Rinse and drain beans.
- Transfer to a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Stir in water, tomato sauce, and seasoning mix.
- Pressure cook for 35 minutes on high pressure.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir and serve.
Notes
- Instant Pot Chili with Soaked Beans. Soak beans in water to cover for 8-12 hours. Drain and rinse. Add water to cover beans by 1/2 inch. Pressure cook for 25 minutes.
- Instant Pot Chili with Quick-Soaked Beans: Place beans in Instant Pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Set on Saute and heat to boiling. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Proceed with the remainder of the recipe.Â
- Slow Cooker Chili: Cook on low for 14-16 hours; or on high for 8-10 hours.
- Stove Top Chili: Cook, covered, with 7 cups water, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and darker in color, 2-3 hours.
I make this a lot. Her original recipe said 2 1/2 cups beans. I usually use 3 c. of a variety of beans. I also cook the beans for 1 minute in the insta pot, drain the water, and then add water, spices and a can of tomatoes instead of the sauce. Delicious! 😋