Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe (2024)

Updated: by Vera Morgan · This post may contain affiliate links · 94 Comments

Jump to Recipe

My Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe is quick and easy, healthy and has the best flavour. It ticks all the boxes, savoury, spicy, sweet and tangy. It's the ultimate comfort food and it's gluten free!

Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe (1)

I love Chili!! And any dish remotely resembling Mexican food, haha. This is my go to Vegan Chili recipe, and husband approved, woot woot! - he loves this dish. Another Win for me!

I used to make my Chili with beef and pork. So I wanted to recreate this Chili without having to add meat (obviously, lol) and I definitely pulled it off! It's Protein packed and super satisfying and really is the Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe!

Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe (2)

You can easily add your favourite meat crumbles to this Chili for a meatier texture and if you add TVP I suggest pre soaking it first. Once in awhile I'll fry up a block of crumbled tofu in a non stick skillet set to medium. I add a few seasonings and cook for about 20 minutes. It works perfectly for that meaty chew! ( no I did not use tofu in these photos, this is my straight up Awesome Chili).

Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe (3)

I like to serve this Vegan Chili with a side of basmati rice, garlic bread and a green salad. My daughters enjoy eating it with Pico de gallo, avocados, or Guacamole and sour cream and tortilla chips.

My absolute favourite way to eat this Chili is on a Vegan Hotdog with mustard and finely diced white onion- OMG THE BEST!! It's also perfectly delicious on its own?

Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe (4)

Ok let's get to my Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe and how to make it:

Start by sautéing all the veggies till softened. Then add in the rest of ingredients to the pot and cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove a ladle full or so of Chili, blend it up in your Nutria Bullet or Blender and return it to the pot. Give the Chili a stir then taste for seasonings and serve. Yum! Vegan Chili in a jiffy. Check out full recipe in the recipe card below?

Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe (5)

This recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, and freezes well.

Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe (6)

Ok let's make some Vegan Chili! You'll love this recipe it’s:

Protein packed
Healthy
Easy
gluten free
Savoury
Satisfying
A great main dish

Other comforting Vegan Mains you'd like:
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Best Vegan Alfredo Sauce with Fettuccine

Enjoy! ? Happy day to you! Feel free to leave a comment and rate this recipe I'd love to hear from you!

FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST AND INSTAGRAM❤️

Print

Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe (7)

Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe

★★★★★5 from 29 reviews
  • Author: Verna
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

My Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe is quick and easy, healthy and has the best flavour. It ticks all the boxes, savoury, spicy, sweet and tangy. It's the ultimate comfort food and it's gluten free!

Ingredients

Scale

THIS MIGHT SEEM LIKE A LOT OF INGREDIENTS BUT IT IS MOSTLY SPICES

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon of oil (optional), I use grape seed oil
  • 1 green pepper, diced
  • 1 red , or orange, or yellow pepper, diced
  • 4-6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks of celery, diced
  • 1 (398 ml) (14 fl oz) can of Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes or Regular Canned diced Tomatoes (see notes*)
  • 1 and ¾ cups of water
  • 1 tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon Vegetarian No Beef Soup Base, ( there is an organic version as well but I have not tried it)
  • 3 tablespoons of Chili Powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Ancho Chili Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon of onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon of granulated garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar or substitute maple syrup
  • 1 tsp of yellow mustard
  • 2 (540 ml) (19 fl oz) cans of pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (540 ml) (19 fl 0z) can of red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS FOR CHILI:

  • cilantro
  • Pico De Gallo or Salsa
  • sliced avocado or Guacamole
  • sour cream
  • green onions
  • finely diced white onion ( my favourite)

Instructions

  1. Heat a 5-6 quart Dutch Oven or heavy bottomed pot on medium heat, then add the oil ( or water or veggie stock), diced onion and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Next add in the garlic, peppers and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, until veggies are softening, stirring a few times.
  3. Now add the rest of ingredients to the pot and stir. Bring the Chili to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover for 25 minutes. Stir once or twice.
  4. After 25 minutes uncover the Chili and add one soup ladle full of Chili to your Nutra Bullet or Blender and blend until smooth (optional). Add the puree back to the Chili. Stir and Serve.
  5. Enjoy the Chili by itself or serve with your favourite toppings!

Notes

  • this Chili will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days
  • It's totally freezer friendly
  • if you'd like the Chili saucier (or if you're adding vegan meat crumbles) add another small can of roasted or regular diced tomatoes.
  • feel free to add your favourite vegan crumbles. If you use TVP I recommend pre soaking it.
  • I quite often will add 1 and ½ to 2 cups of Gardein Meatless ground crumbles (and yes I definitely add the another small can of tomatoes!)? It's delicious! (add after, or if) you've pureed a ladle of chili and cook for 5 more minutes)
  • this Chili is SO good on a Vegan Hotdog with mustard and a little finely diced white onion!
  • I have made my Chili with Fire Roasted Tomatoes and regular Diced Tomatoes, they're equally delicious.
  • If you use Seasoned Fire Roasted Tomatoes omit the onion powder and granulated garlic.
  • Once in awhile I will add cooked, crumbled tofu to my Chili. I crumble the tofu into a good quality non stick skillet with a few spices and cook on medium heat for 20 minutes. It's a great 'Meaty' addition.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Mains, gluten free
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: best vegan chili recipe, vegan chili, spicy, best, easy, recipe,

More Mains

  • Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
  • Sweet and Savory Summer Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
  • Vegan Tofu Salmon Rice Bowl
  • The Best Vegan BBQ Ribs

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathy

    This recipe is amazing! My friend recommended it because her whole meat-loving family (including 2 young boys) enjoyed it. I made this with my mom and we both devoured it! Bonus: I love that it uses common ingredients and is a one-pot meal. This recipe will definitely go on repeat!

    Reply

  2. Deborah Lewis

    My husband loved this recipe! This will be my go to for long cold nights! Thank you for sharing! We adding the gardein crumble and some roasted tomatoes with the 3 beans kidney black beans and pinto amazing. We were a little hesitant about the mustard and maple syrup but it definitely helped with the heat and was a great addition to the chili.

    Reply

    • Verna Rindler

      So glad you both enjoyed the Chili Deborah, feel free to leave a star rating - really helpful:)

      Reply

  3. Jane Curtis

    Hello Verna,
    I am new to using Instant Pot & wondered if you could give me timings to make this in it? It sounds so delicious.

    Reply

    • Verna

      Hi Jane this particular recipe has not been tested in the instant pot so I cannot say. 🙂

      Reply

      • Jane Curtis

        Thank you Verna.

        Reply

        • Verna

          You're welcome! I will be adding a instant pot vegan chili recipe in the near future 🙂

          Reply

          • Jane Curtis

            👍 Look forward to seeing it.

  4. Carole

    The best thing about this recipe is that you can follow it exactly, or tweak it to fit what veggies you have on hand, and it's always delicious! I add a couple of diced jalapenos and I mix up the types of beans that I use. Thank you for an excellent recipe!

    Reply

    • Verna

      I am so happy you're enjoying the chili recipe Carole. Thanks so much for the wonderful review! 🙂

      Reply

  5. Jeff

    Wat to go this was amazing chili. It didn't even need any vegan meat!

    Reply

    • Verna

      thank you so much!

      Reply

  6. Linda

    Made this for the first time tonight…will definitely make it again! There’s so much flavor, even eliminating the onion and garlic (made it for a guest on a FODMAP diet). We all loved it! Added Beyond crumbles for added texture!

    Reply

    • Verna

      Thanks for your feedback Linda. I am so happy you all enjoyed the chili!

      Reply

  7. Isabella

    I’ve been making this recipe for the last 2 years! Obsessed

    Reply

    • Verna

      You made my day Isabella! Delighted you're enjoying it. Please feel free to leave a star rating, really helpful 🙂

      Reply

  8. Liz

    AMAZING !!!! Family Friendly and easy peasy !!! We added Beef-less ground beef from Trader Joe’s and it was amazing. My kids and family loved it. Definitely keep this recipe handy. Perfect for crowds, potluck, football season!!

    Reply

    • Verna

      Thank you for your review Liz, very helpful, and so kind. So happy your family enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply

  9. Jackson

    Finally! Look at vegan recipes through the eyes of someone who is not vegan. That's some weird ingredients and very confusing. So I was looking for a vegan chili recipe for company and I found yours!!! It's totally normal!! Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Verna

      You're very welcome enjoy Jackson!

      Reply

  10. KM

    Best. Chili. Ever. Thanks for the recipe!

    Happy New Year!

    Reply

    • Verna

      Thank you so much! Really appreciate your feedback and Happy New Year to you too!! 🙂

      Reply

  11. Lisa

    I love this recipe!! I used only 1 TBS chili powder and 2 tsp cumin, and I didn't have ancho chili powder. It has such a great flavor! I love the sweetness of the maple syrup. This is one of my favorite recipes on Pinterest.

    Reply

    • Verna

      Thank you so much Lisa! What a nice compliment! I recommend grabbing some ancho chili powder for next time, it is a really nice addition.

      Reply

« Older Comments

Leave a Reply

Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

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

Leftovers: This chili will keep in the fridge for about 4-5 days, and also freezes well. Instant Pot version: Use the sauté feature and cook your onion and garlic, then add the rest of the ingredients (except the tofu, bake that in the oven like normal).

What can I replace meat with in chili? ›

Here are just a few ideas.....
  • An extra can of beans (pinto, kidney, or black)
  • Seitan.
  • Bulgur.
  • Portobella Mushrooms.
  • My Cauliflower Taco Crumbles.
  • Butler Soy Curls.
  • Any of the new burger crumble products in the store.
Jan 15, 2023

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Traditionally, we expect a robust, spicy base, meat and/or beans, perhaps some bonus veggies, and a thick, rich consistency. Unlike soups, which are brothy, or even bisques, which are creamy yet thinner, chili is meant to be more stew-like; it's a definite stick-to-your-ribs creation.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What is the secret to making good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  1. Brown the Meat.
  2. Don't Forget Vegetables.
  3. Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  4. Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  5. Opt for Dried Beans.
  6. Season Early and Often.
  7. Add Some Acidity at the End.
  8. Top It Off.

How do you add richness to chili? ›

Here are some of the most common (and most effective) flavor boosters to add to your chili recipe.
  1. Booze (Beer, Wine, or Liquor) ...
  2. Liquid Smoke. ...
  3. Brine or Vinegar. ...
  4. Soy Sauce. ...
  5. Fish Sauce. ...
  6. Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  7. Coffee or Espresso Powder. ...
  8. Chocolate.
Aug 23, 2021

What is the most flavorful meat for chili? ›

Texas Chili - Chuck

Most chili lovers will tell you that this is the ideal cut of meat for stew and chili. Chuck is initially a very tough cut of beef, but when you consider the fact chuck is highly marbled, it turns out this is perfect for the low-and-slow way to cook the perfect Texas chili.

What is a substitute for kidney beans in chili? ›

Best Kidney Bean Substitutes by Common Use

Black beans, garbanzo beans, and cannellini beans will work best in chili and soups where you want the firm texture of a bean. If you do not mind the beans breaking down a bit, pinto beans will also work well.

How do you thicken chili without meat? ›

Make a cornstarch slurry: Mix together 1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and cold water, stirring well to remove any lumps. Then, stir the slurry into your chili and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to fully thicken.

What adds depth of flavor to chili? ›

You can always add additional spices to taste, but this could give you a solid foundation to work from. Try adding spices like paprika, chili powder, cumin, coriander, Mexican oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, cayenne, or even chipotle.

Why put cornmeal in chili? ›

Cornmeal does an excellent job of absorbing extra liquids so adding a tablespoon of it to the chili will thicken the final dish. Mix 2 parts of cold water and 1 part of cornmeal, make it a slurry, and add this to the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes after you add the slurry.

Is it better to use cornstarch or flour to thicken chili? ›

Use All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch

All-purpose flour and cornstarch are useful for thickening chili, as well as sauces, soups, and stews. However, you'll want to avoid adding these ingredients directly to your recipe, as this will result in clumps.

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 adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Try a little fenugreek, turmeric, garam masala, or sumac to layer in more complex flavors. Smoky paprika is my own personal favorite. Squash, pumpkin, or sweet potato: Traditionalists would scoff, but soft chunks of slightly sweet butternut squash or sweet potato are delicious in a smoky chili.

Can I eat chili after 7 days in the fridge? ›

Meatless chili and opened canned chili stay safe to eat for up to 7 days in the fridge. Meat-based homemade chilis kept in the fridge only last for 3-4 days. If your chili contains meat and it's been in the fridge for 5 days, you should discard it, even if it looks good.

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

Thawing and using your Pueblo Green Chiles:

If you coat them with a little oil they will stay fresher. Watch for slight gray discoloration and slimy texture when they are going bad. Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a 5 – 6 days.

How long do vegan meals last in the fridge? ›

Meal prepped portions of many vegan soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, bowls, and other ingredients can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Of course, this is just an estimate. Always pay attention to smell and taste with leftover food.

Does vegetarian chili go bad? ›

The environment should be a dry area, as moisture can lead to spoilage. In the fridge: Chili should be consumed within 2-3 days, and not exceed 5 days. In the freezer: Properly stored chili can last for 4-6 months.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Trent Wehner

Last Updated:

Views: 6268

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Trent Wehner

Birthday: 1993-03-14

Address: 872 Kevin Squares, New Codyville, AK 01785-0416

Phone: +18698800304764

Job: Senior Farming Developer

Hobby: Paintball, Calligraphy, Hunting, Flying disc, Lapidary, Rafting, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.