This Vegetarian Lager Chili brings all the smoky, savory, slow-simmered depth of classic chili — without the meat.

With three kinds of beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, smoky spices, and a bright pour of crisp lager, it’s the kind of meatless meal that satisfies like the real deal.

Perfect for feeding a crowd, game day spreads, or weeknight dinners where you want big flavor without the beef.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz lager (or any clean, light-bodied beer)
• 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional: 1 chipotle in adobo for smoky heat, or 1 tsp cocoa powder for depth

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Cook until softened — about 8–10 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and tomato paste, and cook for 1–2 minutes more.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Toast the spices for 30 seconds to bring out the flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze with Lager

Pour in the beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.

Simmer for 3–5 minutes to let the alcohol cook off slightly.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth

Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and vegetable broth.

Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Optional additions: Add chipotle in adobo or cocoa powder during this step if desired.

Step 5: Finish with Lime

Stir in lime juice just before serving to brighten all the flavors.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

• Top With:
  • Avocado
  • Cilantro
  • Sour cream or dairy-free alternative
  • Shredded cheddar or vegan cheese
  • Crushed tortilla chips
• Serve With:
  • Cornbread or garlic toast
  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Lager or wheat beer for pairing

Beer Pairing

• Use in chili: Lager, blonde ale, wheat beer, or kölsch
• Serve with: Same beer, or go bolder with a citrusy pale ale

Avoid bitter IPAs or dark stouts — this chili’s about balance and brightness.

Final Thoughts

Vegetarian Lager Chili proves you don’t need meat to bring the heat — or the depth.
It’s rich, hearty, and full of layered flavor from beer, beans, veggies, and spices.

Whether you’re feeding vegetarians, flexitarians, or full-on carnivores, this one hits the spot — and tastes even better the next day.

Cheers to plant-powered comfort, brewed with love! 🌶️🍺🌱

Explore Our Best Beer Chili Recipes 🌶️

Bold, rich, and slow-simmered with brews of all kinds — these chili recipes take comfort food up a notch. Whether you prefer beefy, vegan, spicy, or seasonal, there’s a beer chili here with your name on it.

🍺 Beer Chili Recipes (Main Hub) – The full collection of beer-infused chili favorites.

🐄 Classic & Meaty Favorites

🥩 Classic Beef & Ale Chili – A robust, no-nonsense chili with deep ale flavor.
🌶️ Chipotle Stout Chili – Smoky heat meets bold dark beer in every bite.
🍺 Turkey & Pale Ale Chili – Lean, flavorful, and light on its feet.
🌭 Beer Bratwurst Chili – A Midwest tailgate in chili form.
🔥 Spicy IPA Chili – Hoppy bitterness and chili heat in perfect balance.
🧀 Beer Cheese Chili – Rich, cheesy, and built to satisfy.

🍗 White, Poultry & Lighter Styles

🥣 Beer & White Bean Chicken Chili – Creamy and comforting with a hint of hops.
🌽 Southwest Wheat Beer Chili – Zesty with corn, beans, and bright wheat beer notes.
🎃 Pumpkin Beer Chili – A fall-inspired blend of spice, squash, and seasonal brew.
🐢 Crockpot Beer Chili – Slow-cooked, deep flavor with minimal effort.

🌱 Vegetarian & Vegan Options

🌿 Vegetarian Lager Chili – Veggie-loaded and full of clean, crisp lager flavor.
🫘 Lager Chili with Black Beans – Simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
🌱 Black Bean & Porter Chili (Vegan) – Rich, smoky, and plant-based with deep porter notes.
🍫 Chocolate & Stout Chili – Vegan-friendly and built on bold, complex flavor with cocoa and stout.

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
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• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.