Best Vegan Chili Recipe (2024)

by plant.well

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(Last Updated On: August 21, 2023)

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This homemade vegan chili recipe is packed with so much flavor!

It has veggies, three kinds of beans, corn, peppers, tomatoes, and quinoa.

Quinoa is really the secret ingredient in this recipe, it makes the soup that much heartier and adds even more protein.

This one pot chili recipe is perfect anytime, and it’s on the table in no less than 30 minutes!

Best Vegan Chili Recipe (1)

This vegan chili is one of my most favorite comfort foods to make.

When I’m in need of something quick and fuss-free that’s warming and hearty, this chili is a no-brainer!

A delicious one-pot recipe that simmers all the ingredients and flavors together with minimal effort on my part – perfection!

Best Vegan Chili Recipe (2)

Easy Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

This yummy chili has three types of beans: black beans, kidney beans and pinto beans.

It also has corn, peppers, tomatoes, quinoa and spices like chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika.

These flavors combine perfectly with the onion, garlic and veggie stock base, creating a soup that’s healthy and full of flavor.

Another thing I love about this recipe is that the ingredients are very pantry friendly.

Canned beans, quinoa, veggie stock and spices can be kept in the pantry, and any corn or other veggies of choice can be frozen.

It’s so convenient and the only thing you really need that’s fresh is onion and garlic (if you’re feeling extra lazy, sometimes I even sub these for dried powders so I don’t have to chop anything!).

If you’re looking for a similar recipe, my Vegan Stuffed Peppers are stuffed with many of the same ingredients and baked to perfection!

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How to Make Vegan Chili

Cooking the Base

To start making this yummy soup, start by placing the olive oil, chopped onion, garlic and pepper into a large pot over medium heat.

Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the onion is translucent, stirring occasionally, and that’s your base!

Cooking Vegan Chili

Now add the remaining ingredients all at the same time (except for the corn).

Give it a good stir and cover.

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is soft and has cracked open.

Finally add the corn and cook another minute or two to heat through, and it’s done!

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Serving Vegan Chili

This chili is delicious served plain, or you can add toppings like avocado, green onion, dairy-free sour cream, crumbled chips, dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor!

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Easy and Delicious Vegan Chili Recipe

This easy soup recipe is a staple in my house, and especially during the colder winter months.

There’s nothing more warming and comforting than a fresh bowl of homemade chili!

Also, it’s even better on day two and three after all the flavors have marinated together!

I would eat this up by days four or five though for best taste.

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Best Vegan Chili Recipe (8)

This recipe is:

  • Homemade
  • Healthy
  • Delicious
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • High Protein
  • Comforting
  • Easy to Make

Check out these other comforting vegan recipes:

Easy Vegan Beef Stew

Vegan Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Vegan African Peanut Soup

Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Rosemary Potato Veggie Soup

Butternut Squash and Fennel Soup

Best Vegan Tortilla Soup

Best Vegan Chili Recipe (9)

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Best Vegan Chili Recipe (10)
Best Vegan Chili Recipe (11)

Yield: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

The best ever vegan chili recipe packed with flavor, quinoa, beans and corn. Easy to make and perfectly comforting and delicious.

Instructions

  1. Add olive oil, chopped onion, pepper and garlic to a large pot over medium heat. Cook for 5-8 minutes or until onions are translucent.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients (except the corn), bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender (you can tell it's done if you see the seed split apart too). Then add the corn and cook for a minute or two until soft.
  3. Enjoy with toppings of choice!

Notes

*If you like your chili nice and thick, serve as is, otherwise you can add a splash of vegetable stock or water to make it more soupy.

**This chili is even better on day two and three after all the flavors have marinated together! I would eat this up by days four and five though for best taste.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 390Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 691mgCarbohydrates: 67gFiber: 20gSugar: 12gProtein: 19g

Best Vegan Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary 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 makes chili even better? ›

Cinnamon, strong coffee, and dark chocolate all boost them meaty flavor in a good chili. Pick any of the following: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 whole cinnamon stick, a shot of espresso, a small cup of strong coffee, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, or a few squares of good-quality dark chocolate.

What can I substitute for meat 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

What is the magic ingredient for chili? ›

Coffee. A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long.

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.

How to make chili taste richer? ›

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 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.

How to get depth of flavor in chili? ›

To enhance the flavor of your chili, brown the meat before adding it to the pot. This step not only caramelizes the meat, but gives your chili more texture, adding a depth that cannot be achieved by simply simmering it in the chili.

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.

Does chili get better the longer you simmer it? ›

Cooking chili low and slow is the way to go

Although the internet abounds with recipes for quick-cooking chilis that take as little as 20 minutes (via MyRecipes), this stewed dish truly benefits from a longer cook time that will gently coax all the flavors out of the meat, legumes, vegetables, and spices in the recipe.

What does tomato paste do for chili? ›

Tomato paste is a great way to add bonus tomato flavor, and thickness, to a chili recipe. To get the best flavor it needs to be browned. Add a couple tablespoons (or a whole can if you want a thicker soup base) directly to the pan after cooking the meat and onions. Stir the paste occasionally to prevent burning.

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 do you thicken vegan chili? ›

Stir in some finely ground cornmeal or masa harina.

Start by stirring 1 to 2 tablespoons into your chili, allow the stew to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes more, and it should thicken up a bit. Masa harina (an instantly binding corn flour) also works beautifully to absorb liquid.

What is my homemade chili missing? ›

Sometimes after a long simmer, your chili will taste wonderful be maybe missing one little thing you can't figure out. Try a tad bit of vinegar or a squeeze of lime! The acidity in vinegar & limes bring a good roundness to the pot and binds all the flavors together.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

How do you make can chili taste better? ›

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

What makes the best chili meat? ›

The best chili meat is a combination of meats, often a mix of ground chuck, ground sirloin, brisket, diced tri-tip, and/or some bacon or sausage. Do your best to mix smaller pieces with larger pieces to stack textures and make it your own! Happy cooking!

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