8 Homemade Vegan Chili Recipes (2024)

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ByTerri Edwards

This post may contain affiliate links.Read my full disclosure here.

The mark of a good veggie chili is that people don’t even notice that there’s no meat. These 8 Homemade Vegan Chili Recipes are just that good. Chock full of veggies, beans, and spices, these recipes are going to rock your plate…or bowl!

If you’ve been hankering for some deliciously healthy vegan chili, these meatless wonders will make you do a happy dance. Some can even be made in a crockpot or slow cooker.

What is vegan chili made of?

There are so many great vegan chili recipes to choose from and most of them have similar ingredients.

  • Beans- We always use beans in our veggie chili recipes to help bulk them up.
  • Veggies- Often time ingredients include onion, garlic, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and corn.
  • Chiles- For those that like a little spice, chiles are a great option.
  • Tomatoes- Whether it’s fresh tomatoes or canned, nearly all chili recipes include tomatoes.
  • Grain- All of my recipes include bulgur that mimics a ground beef texture. Other gluten-free options are buckwheat groats or brown rice.
  • Chili Powder- A seasoning that is a must in any good chili recipe to add lots of delicious flavor.
  • Spices- Other spices can include season salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
  • Salsa- It’s a great way to add even more flavor.

Topping ideas

Vegan chili is delicious as is, but these great toppings add even more texture and flavor.

  • Vegan Sour Cream
  • Salsa
  • Lime slices
  • Chives
  • Vegan Cheese
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced avocado
  • Guacamole

What pairs well with veggie chili?

  • Cornbread
  • Baked Tortilla Chips
  • Crusty bread like sourdough
  • Garden salad
  • Corn on the cob

This post may contain affiliate links.Read my full disclosure here.

Pro tips & substitutions

  • Feeding crowds- Chili is a great option for feeding large groups of people because it’s easy to make and inexpensive.
  • Cooking options- Make on the stovetop, in your Instant Pot, or Crock Pot.
  • Storing- Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
  • Freezing- Chili freezes well for up to 3-4 months.
  • Substitutions- Beans are a great substitute for ground beef. Bulgur or another grain also help to mimic a beef texture.

Also, be sure to check out our Vegan Chili page for more great recipes!

For those of you new to the whole food plant-based lifestyle, we’ve created a FREE 7-Day Plant-Based Menu Planner to help you get started!

Meatless Vegan Chili Recipes

Ever wondered how to make good old-fashioned chili in a heart-smart healthy way? Get those bowls and spoons ready, and we'll show you! Click on each of the photos, recipe titles, or 'Get the Recipe' buttons to see full recipes with ingredients, measurements, instructions, and a print button.

There is nothing better to warm you up on a cold day than a big bowl of hearty chili, and it’s even better when it can be ready and on the table in minutes without any fuss in the kitchen. This Instant Pot Vegan Chili is easy to make and chock full of healthy wholesome ingredients.

8 Homemade Vegan Chili Recipes (6)

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes Yield 6 servings

Crock Pot Vegan Chili

Sometime back, I experimented with a new recipe for vegetarian chili in my crockpot. Turned out amazing! A follower even won a cookoff with this delicious 3 bean vegan chili!

8 Homemade Vegan Chili Recipes (7)

Total Time 30 minutes Yield 8 servings

One-Pot Mac Chili

Easy homemade vegan mac chili is made with wholesome ingredients like beans, whole grain pasta, and lots of veggies with warm spices. It simple to make and can be on the table in about 30 minutes.

8 Homemade Vegan Chili Recipes (8)

Total Time 10 minutes Yield 4 servings

Yes-You-Can Black Bean Chili

No meat? No problem! This vegan black bean chili recipe has all the taste of a hearty chili and can be ready to eat in 15-minutes or less. The convenience of a three-ingredient dish without any greasy pans to clean.

8 Homemade Vegan Chili Recipes (9)

Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes Yield 4 servings

Chili Cheese Fries

Vegan Chili Cheese Fries are plant-strongly amazing! Crispy oil-free fries, topped with layers of tangy spicy chili and creamy vegan cheese sauce. The ultimate heart-healthy comfort food!

8 Homemade Vegan Chili Recipes (10)

Total Time 55 minutes Yield 4 servings

White Bean Chili

This White Bean Chili satisfies craving for chili, but cuts out all of the unhealthy ingredients found in many other chili recipes. Loaded with chunks of sweet potatoes, tender white beans, celery, onions, and spices, this dish is sure to keep you full for hours.

8 Homemade Vegan Chili Recipes (11)

Total Time 30 minutes Yield 6 servings

Vegan Chili Recipe for Burgers

If you love carrot/veggie dogs and burgers but miss topping them with chili, I think you're about to do a happy-dance! This quick Chili Vegan Recipe is simmered with spices and onions and can be made in minutes. Links to Vegan Chili Cheese Fries and Black Bean Burgers also included.

8 Homemade Vegan Chili Recipes (12)

Total Time 5 minutes Yield 5 servings

Vegan Bean Dip

This chili bean dip is a flavorful and creamy punch of protein and nutrients! Serve with baked corn chips or veggies for a terrific appetizer or snack. Checkout our cooking demo video above so see how easy this is to prepare.

About Terri Edwards

Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…

8 Homemade Vegan Chili Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan chili made of? ›

This Vegan Chili is a moderately-spiced, tomato-y stew loaded with chunks of celery, onion, green bell pepper, and carrot. Spices like ancho chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, and cayenne pepper add some body to the chili, while kidney beans and pinto beans give a hearty and creamy texture.

How to make homemade chili more flavorful? ›

Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight. Warming spice blends, like Garam Masala, Ras el Hanout or Baharat are another simple and delicious way to add layered flavors to this simple one-pot meal.

What are 5 meat alternatives? ›

Meat alternatives are growing in popularity
  • Tofu. Tofu is the classic meat alternative and has been one of the basic sources of nutrition in Asia for centuries. ...
  • Soy protein. ...
  • Tempeh. ...
  • Seitan/wheat protein. ...
  • Lupin protein. ...
  • Green spelt. ...
  • Oat flakes. ...
  • Black beans.
Nov 11, 2019

What is a vegan substitute for ground beef? ›

Best Ingredient to Replace Meat

When I'm creating a vegan version of something high in fat, calories, and protein, I usually gravitate toward ingredients like beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, TVP, and seitan. These are more filling than vegetables, which are sometimes too low in calories, if you know what I mean.

How do you thicken vegan chili? ›

How to Thicken Chili
  1. Simmer down. ...
  2. Stir in some finely ground cornmeal or masa harina. ...
  3. Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats. ...
  4. Pile on the vegetables. ...
  5. Try more tomato paste. ...
  6. Mash some beans. ...
  7. Crumble up some corn chips.
Oct 28, 2023

How long does homemade vegan chili last in the fridge? ›

How Long Does Vegan Chili Last? If you want to make a large batch of vegan chili for meal prep, you can store it in the fridge for three to five days or freeze it in jars for two to three months, making sure to leave at least an inch of headspace in each jar. Defrost vegan chili in the refrigerator overnight.

Is Amy's chili vegan? ›

Our Medium Chili is made from organic red beans and tofu simmered in a thick and flavorful Mexican-style broth. For those who want big chili flavor without the big heat. Gluten free/dairy free/lactose free/tree nut free/vegan/kosher/plant based (Light in Sodium also available).

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the trick to a good chili? ›

The ultimate chili should:
  1. Have a rich, complex chile flavor that combines sweet, bitter, hot, fresh, and fruity elements in balance.
  2. Have a robust, meaty, beefy flavor.
  3. Assuming that it contains beans, have beans that are tender, creamy, and intact.
  4. Be bound together by a thick, deep-red sauce.

What gives chili the most flavor? ›

Here are some of the most common (and most effective) flavor boosters to add to your chili recipe.
  • Fish Sauce. ...
  • Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  • Coffee or Espresso Powder. ...
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Sweet Spices. ...
  • Peanut Butter. ...
  • Molasses. ...
  • Marmite or Vegemite.
Aug 23, 2021

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

Cinnamon. The beauty of ground cinnamon is that it brings a warmth to your chili, without being spicy. It works well with other flavors commonly found in chili (like tomato, cumin and chile powder) so you only need a little bit to achieve the desired balance.

What is the best liquid for chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

What other meats can you put in chilli? ›

What is the best meat for chili? The best meat for chili depends on the type you're making, but professionals generally use a combination of ground chuck, brisket, short ribs, or diced tri-tip sirloin mixed with bacon and sausage to layer multiple textures and flavors.

Does chili need meat to be chili? ›

Today, Texans believe that chili should only have chili peppers, meat, and spices. However, many modern recipes also call for beans, veggies, and even noodles thrown in. At chili cook-offs across the US, you'll see recipes with all kinds of ground meat, including: Beef.

What is a good protein substitute for chili? ›

Beef Substitutions

If you don't have ground beef, you can use beef stew meat, ground turkey, rotisserie chicken, or ground chicken in this recipe. For a vegan version, use meatless crumbles or add two extra cans of beans.

How do you thicken chili without meat? ›

Add cornstarch or all-purpose flour: Cornstarch and all-purpose flour are common thickening agents that you might already have on hand in your pantry. Adding flour directly into the chili will create lumps. Instead, make a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cold water with one tablespoon of cornstarch.

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