One Pot Red Lentil Chili: Quick, Healthy, and Delicious Comfort Food

One Pot Red Lentil Chili is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe only takes 55 minutes from start to finish, with minimal prep and just one pot to clean up—talk about a win-win! Lentils cook to tender perfection and soak up bold flavors, while kidney and black beans add even more richness to this healthy red lentil chili.

I first whipped up this easy vegan chili recipe when I needed a quick, no-fuss dinner, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Unlike traditional chili recipes that simmer for hours, this version gets the job done in under an hour without sacrificing flavor. Pull out your favorite heavy-bottomed pot, and let’s get cooking—you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!

Why This One Pot Red Lentil Chili Is a Game-Changer

• Time-saving: You’ll only need 10 minutes to chop and prep, then let your pot do the rest.
• One pot, zero hassle: No piles of dishes to deal with afterward—clean up is a breeze.
• Healthy comfort food: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients.
• No complicated steps: Easy-to-follow instructions make it perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.

Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pot Red Lentil Chili

This recipe relies on a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. A sturdy pot ensures even heat distribution, so your chili cooks to perfection without hot spots. Here are some tips and suggestions for equipment:

• Large pot: Opt for a 5-quart or larger pot to give everything room to simmer comfortably.
• Sharp knife: Speeds up your prep time when dicing onions, peppers, and garlic.
• Mortar and pestle (optional): Crushing the jalapeño and garlic into a paste makes their flavors pop, but you can also finely mince them with a knife.

Budget-friendly option? Any stockpot will do, as long as it’s big enough to keep ingredients from spilling over.

Simple Ingredients for One Pot Red Lentil Chili

This recipe proves you can achieve bold, complex flavors with pantry staples and fresh produce. Here are the star ingredients you’ll need:

• Red lentils: These cook quickly, breaking down to create a thick, creamy texture while packing a protein punch.
• Chili powder blend: Make sure you’re grabbing a spice blend and not pure chili powder or cayenne pepper—this makes all the difference in flavor.
• Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes bring acidity and richness without chopping fresh ones—time saved!
• Kidney and black beans: These canned beans boost the heartiness while cutting down on soak-and-cook time.

Pro Tip: Looking for convenience? Pre-minced garlic or canned corn works great in this recipe.

One Pot Red Lentil Chili Recipe Details

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

One Pot Red Lentil Chili Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp avocado or coconut oil
• 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red pepper, diced
• 1/2 tsp each sea salt and black pepper (divided, plus more to taste)
• 1 small jalapeño, diced (seeds optional for spice)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (~2 Tbsp)
• 3 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 Tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
• 3 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 ¾ cup water
• 3/4 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, slightly drained
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, slightly drained
• 1-2 Tbsp coconut sugar or maple syrup
• 1 15-ounce can corn, drained (optional)

How to Make One Pot Red Lentil Chili

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add oil, onion, and red pepper. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, stir, and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
2. Crush jalapeño and garlic into a paste or finely mince. Add to the pot with onion mixture, seasoning with more salt and pepper.
3. Add 2 Tbsp chili powder, 1 Tbsp cumin, paprika, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low, add lentils, and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure lentils stay submerged—add water if needed.
5. Mix in beans, remaining chili powder (1 Tbsp), cumin, and a pinch of salt. Add corn if using. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes on low.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Add coconut sugar to balance heat if necessary.
7. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or red onion.

Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pot Red Lentil Chili

• Don’t skip rinsing lentils—it removes excess starch for a cleaner texture.
• Want thicker chili? Let it simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
• Make it a meal prep star: This keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezes for a month.
• If you’re short on time, use pre-diced onions and peppers from the store.
• For extra heat, top bowls with sliced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed chili flakes.

Easy One Pot Red Lentil Chili Variations

• Sweet potato twist: Toss in diced sweet potato with the lentils for a sweet-savory flavor combo.
• Southwest style: Add a teaspoon of oregano and canned green chilies for a slight smokiness.
• Make it mild: Skip the jalapeño and halve the chili powder for a kid-friendly version.

One Pot Red Lentil Chili FAQs

Can I freeze this One Pot Red Lentil Chili?

Absolutely! Portion it into airtight containers, freeze for up to a month, and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

What can I use if I’m out of red lentils?

You can substitute split yellow lentils or even green lentils—just adjust the simmer time accordingly.

How spicy is this easy vegan chili recipe?

It’s moderately spicy with the jalapeño and chili powder, but feel free to adjust the heat by reducing or skipping those ingredients.

What toppings go best with homemade lentil chili?

Favorites include diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, red onion, or even crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Can I make this quick one pot chili in advance?

Yes! The flavors actually deepen over time, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

In the end, One Pot Red Lentil Chili checks all the boxes for weeknight dinner perfection—healthy, hearty, and seriously easy. What’s your secret chili ingredient or go-to shortcut? Drop it in the comments below; I’d love to know!