Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe (2024)

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

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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!

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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

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Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

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 can I add to chili to make it unique? ›

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 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 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 adds depth 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 secret to really good chili? ›

More Secret Ingredients for Chili - Toasting Spices

Toasting the spices early in the cooking process before adding the liquid will provide more flavor to the stew. This process unleashes the aromatics in the ground spices. The spices will release more flavor by gently heating them in a bit of oil with the meat.

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 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 add umami to chili? ›

Soy Sauce or Tamari

Soy sauce (or its gluten-free cousin, tamari) may seem like a strange addition to chili, but it brings the umami richness vegetarian chili is often missing and balances out any sweetness in the pot.

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.

Are kidney beans in chilli sauce vegan? ›

Suitable for: This product is suitable for Vegetarians and This product is suitable for Vegans. INGREDIENTS:Red Kidney Beans (45%), Tomatoes, Water, Sugar, Modified Maize Starch, Chilli Powder, Salt, Paprika, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Coriander, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Basil, Thyme, Sunflower Oil, Flavourings, Oregano.

Is chili garlic paste vegan? ›

can be. Depends on how you make it. I make a chili paste with chili, garlic, onion, salt, cummin, coconut oil and ghee. If you wanted to make it vegan, omit the ghee and add a touch of seseame oil.

How do you add richness to chili? ›

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 kind of beans are good in chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Do you drain beans for chili? ›

Too much liquid will thin your chili

The same holds true for using canned beans in chili. According to Taste of Home, you should typically drain canned beans before adding them to your pot of chili. All that liquid can seriously water the chili down, diluting all its flavors.

How can I give my chilli more Flavour? ›

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 darken chili flavor? ›

We're all about adding some cocoa to your chili, especially in the early stages of cooking when you're blooming your spices, but I like to drop a few pieces of dark chocolate into the pot too.

What makes can chili taste better? ›

"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said.

What spices add depth of flavor? ›

Spices like black peppers, cinnamon, ginger and cumin add depth to foods. Aromatic vegetables, such as onions, garlic and pepper, add complexity to dishes without adding salt. Boost flavor with fruit, such as citrus juice and citrus zest.

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