This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #YesYouCAN #CollectiveBias This school year, I spend a lot of time in my car, much of it occurring between the hours of 2 and 6pm (AKA prime dinner-making time). Because of this, I like to fall back on an easy vegetarian chili recipe I developed in my 20s when I stopped eating meat. I had college housing with a kitchen, so instead of trying to eat something at the cafeteria, this recipe became a staple. You can have a simple, healthy and delicious meal in about 30 minutes using a few canned foods and fresh produce. 

Though I now love making my Grandmother’s Meat Chili, I still enjoy a bowl of easy Vegetarian chili. I found my original recipe card and immediately saw the simplicity of a college student’s taste buds. Because my tastes have since evolved, I have adapted the recipe.

 

While shopping for groceries at Walmart, I saw this display of Hunt’s and RO*TEL tomatoes, along with a few other chili ingredients. I decided to make 30-minute chili for the family’s football time. I picked up a can of Hunt’s petite cut tomatoes, a can of RO*TEL tomatoes with lime and cilantro, canned black beans and fresh veggies. (Feel free to pick and choose your favorite veggies. I have used different combinations over the years, and it’s all delicious.)

Like every good chili recipe, sauté your onions and celery for a few minutes.

I like to add my seasonings before I add the canned tomatoes.  It awakens the spices.

This time, I chose two different tomato types for a fun twist. I like the idea of lime and cilantro, but knew I would not like too much of that flavor.
Allow everything to simmer for about 25 minutes and add some frozen corn if desired. This could not be easier or healthier than your traditional meat chili recipes.

Serve up a bowl of chili with your favorite toppings. I like to add cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh avocado and extra hot sauce for those looking for more kick in their chili.

Because this easy chili recipe is filled with yummy veggies and flavorful tomatoes, it comes together in just a few minutes.

So when you are in a rut and need a quick dinner idea, grab a few extra cans of Hunts and RO*TEL, and whip up this 30-minute vegetarian chili. Even though it is super easy as is, you could also dump all of the ingredients into a crock-pot earlier in the day!

What is your go-to, easy dinner recipe that uses tomatoes?