The Benefits of Adding Meatless Chili to Your Diet
Chili was one of my favorite school lunches as a kid. Although we did not often eat it at home, I have fond memories.
As an adult, I don't consume "regular" chili because I am vegan, but plant-based chili is the future. Here are some benefits of adding a meatless chili recipe to your repertoire.
1. Nutritious and Delicious
Loaded with vegetables, beans, and legumes, vegan chili stew provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for overall health.
2. Heart-Smart
Without animal products, it’s naturally cholesterol-free and often lower in saturated fat, supporting heart health.
3. Protein-Packed
So many plant-based proteins are out there, especially in vegan chili. Ingredients like beans, lentils, and tofu offer plant-based protein, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
4. Immune-Boosting
Spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic contain antioxidants that help boost immunity and fight inflammation.
5. Easy to Make Your Own
It can quickly adapt to personal preferences, including seasonal produce, various spice levels, or gluten-free and oil-free options.
6. Sustainable Choice
Made with plant-based ingredients, it has a lower environmental footprint than meat-based chilis.
7. Wallet-Friendly
Relying on affordable staples like beans, tomatoes, and spices makes it a cost-effective meal option.
8. Comforting and Filling
Chili's hearty, warm nature makes it perfect for satisfying cravings, especially on cold days.
8 Tips for Making the Perfect Plant-Based Chili
The art of chili is more complicated than you think. You can't throw things into a pot and expect success like you can do with soup. Instead, the cooking pros know best by sticking to the basics of chili and adding their flare after they know how to make it well.
Here are the steps to make your chili according to your taste.
1. Choose a Base
Start with a flavorful base, such as diced tomatoes, tomato paste, or vegetable broth. For a creamy twist, add coconut milk.
2. Protein Power
Use beans like black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas. Add lentils or crumbled tofu/tempeh for extra protein and texture.
3. Boost with Veggies
Load it with bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, or corn for added nutrients and color.
4. Flavorful Spices
For depth, include chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cinnamon. Adjust spice levels with cayenne or fresh chilies to taste.
5. Texture Enhancers
Add quinoa, bulgur, or rice to create a heartier stew. A handful of crushed tortilla chips or nuts on top adds crunch.
6. Cooking Tips
Simmer the chili on low heat for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
7. Toppings for Extra Flair
Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, vegan sour cream, or shredded plant-based cheese.
8. Batch Cooking and Storage
Make a big batch and freeze portions for busy days. The flavors often improve after a day or two in the fridge.
25 Cozy Vegetarian Chili Recipes for Any Time of Year
Now that we have gone over the basics of how to make the perfect meatless chili, let's talk about some of the many vegetarian chili recipes out there, including but not limited to the following:
- White chickpea chili
- Butternut squash quinoa chili
- Sweet potato chili
- Quinoa chili
- Black-eyed pea chili
Kylie
1. White Chickpea Chili
One thing that makes white chili stand out is its lighter color. In stereotypical white chili, it is made with chicken. For the plant-based alternative, this is made with a type of white bean.
The funny thing is many recipes call for white beans when stores tend to label them by type of bean. I will explain more about that later.
If you have any chickpeas in your pantry, make white chickpea chili with the help of Midwest Foodie.
Megan
2. Butternut Squash Quinoa Chili
Butternut squash is one of the most popular winter squashes. In case you were unaware, the main differences between winter squash and summer squash are their harvest time, texture, and storage life.
Winter Squash
- Examples: Butternut, acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, pumpkin, delicata
- Texture: Hard skin, firm flesh
- Flavor: Sweet, nutty, and rich
- Harvest Time: Late summer to fall, stored for winter
- Storage: Long shelf life (months) when kept in a cool, dry place
- Uses: Roasting, soups, stews, baking
Summer Squash
- Examples: Zucchini, yellow squash, pattypan, crookneck
- Texture: Thin, tender skin; soft flesh
- Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet
- Harvest Time: Spring to summer
- Storage: Short shelf life (a few days to a week)
- Uses: Sautéing, grilling, raw in salads, spiralizing
Long story short, winter squash has a tougher skin and longer shelf life, while summer squash is more delicate and best enjoyed fresh.
If you would like to give winter squash a try, make butternut squash quinoa chili with the help of ShortGirlTallOrder.
Andrew Bernard
3. Sweet Potato Chili
I tried a few times to grow sweet potato plants without much success. The most recent time, I accidentally bought sweet potato vines, which are decorative instead of growing sweet potatoes.
Oh well, I will do better this year. If you have some sweet potatoes handy, create sweet potato chili from Make It Dairy Free.
Paris
4. Quinoa Chili
Quinoa was a food I learned about shortly after I went vegan in 2017. Pronounced KEEN-wah, quinoa is a nutritious, gluten-free grain that’s technically a seed but is commonly used as a whole grain in cooking. It comes in different colors, including white, red, and black, and has a mild, nutty flavor with a fluffy, slightly chewy texture when cooked.
Why is Quinoa Popular?
- High in Protein: A complete protein with all nine essential amino acids
- Rich in Nutrients: Packed with fiber, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants
- Gluten-Free: A great alternative for people with gluten sensitivities
- Versatile: Can be used in salads, soups, grain bowls, baking, and even breakfast porridge
It cooks quickly (about 15 minutes after the water is at a boil) and absorbs flavors well, making it a staple in many plant-based diets.
If you need some inspiration, try quinoa chili from Vegan Cocotte.
Susan Voisin
5. Black-Eyed Pea Chili
When I think of black-eyed peas, I think of the band Black Eyed Peas. I haven't heard their more recent tracks after Fergie left the band in 2018, but I highly recommend checking out their music if you aren't familiar with them, especially "Boom Boom Pow" (2009)," "I Gotta Feeling" (2009), and "Just Can't Get Enough" (2011).
In terms of black-eyed peas the food, make black-eyed pea chili from FatFree Vegan Kitchen.
Allie
6. Tofu Chili
Tofu is one of the most versatile foods out there. It can be transformed into plant-based scrambled eggs, a dairy-free ricotta cheese in lasagna, meatless tacos, and so much more. Just remember to press it prior to use or else it becomes slimey and gross.
I recommend creating tofu chili, a recipe by Three Little Chickpeas.
Jeeca
7. Chili Sin Carne (Vegan Chili Con Carne)
Even though I don't use my Spanish degree that much beyond watching telenovelas, it is useful while cooking. In this case, chili "sin carne" means without meat, while chili "con carne" translates to with meat.
If you are looking for a meatless chili, make chili sin carne (vegan chili con carne) from The Foodie Takes Flight.
Berry Berry Life
8. Impossible Chili
This phrasing may sound confusing to most people. Impossible chili isn't an imposter. Rather, "Impossible" is short for the brand Impossible Foods, a vegan meat alternative company.
This Impossible chili from Berry Berry Life contains a package of Impossible Beef, a vegan alternative to ground beef.
Emma Harrel
9. Black Bean Chili
Black beans are my favorite type of bean. They are delicious, nutritious, and versatile. They can be added to brownies, rice, enchiladas, soup, and so much more.
Make black bean chili with the help of Cook Shoot and Share.
Denise Perrault
10. Zucchini Chili
I was not that familiar with zucchini until my mom started making zoodles in one of her dieting attempts. Today, she still incorporates zucchini into her meals through zoodles, sautéd zucchini, and chocolate zucchini bread.
Another idea is to create zucchini chili with the help of Vegan with Gusto.
Faith VanderMolen
11. Pumpkin Chili
Many associate pumpkin with fall because of its seasonality and popularity during that time, but you can have it all year round. Just buy a can of pumpkin purée (100% or plain), and you are set to have pumpkin-flavored food whenever you want.
In terms of chili, I recommend trying pumpkin chili from The Conscious Eater.
Alexis
12. Cauliflower Bean Chili
Cauliflower is a great meat alternative because of its versatility, texture, and ability to absorb flavors.
Why Eat Cauliflower?
- Mild Flavor and Absorption: Cauliflower has a neutral taste, making it perfect for soaking up marinades, seasonings, and sauces.
- Meaty Texture: When roasted, grilled, or battered and fried, cauliflower develops a firm and chewy bite, mimicking meats like chicken or steak.
- Nutrient-Rich and Low-Calorie: It's packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants while being low in calories, making it a healthy alternative.
- Versatility: Cauliflower can be used for steaks, wings, ground meat replacements, and even in tacos or curries.
- Easy to Cook: It can be grilled, roasted, mashed, or blended into various dishes with minimal prep.
If you want to give this a try, make cauliflower bean chili with the help of Pure and Plant-Based.
Hannah Sunderani
13. Three Bean Chili
Three bean chili is how it sounds: a chili containing three types of beans. One thing that is confusing about this is the wording:
- Three Bean Salad: This is a type of salad that is made with green beans, wax beans, and kidney beans. You can buy this in a can or make it yourself.
- Three Bean Blend: You can find a combo of three different types of beans in one can. The blend that I see at Target contains kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans.
- Three Bean Chili: This three bean chili from Two Spoons contains three types of beans with one type of bean per can: kidney beans, black beans, and white beans.
Iryna Bychkiv
14. Mushroom Chili
I tend to add extra mushrooms to recipes, from tater tot casserole to vegan spaghetti and meatballs. I also find ways to incorporate mushrooms in recipes that don't call for it, like vegan baked feta tomato pasta and tofu fajitas.
If you like mushrooms, I recommend mushroom chili from Lavender & Macarons.
Jenn Laughlin
15. Lentil Taco Chili
People often underestimate lentils because they don’t seem as exciting or flavorful as other protein sources. Before I went vegan, I had no idea what lentils were.
Nowadays, I am aware of how tasty and nutritious they are, and I use them in 1-2 meals a month, like this lentil tortilla soup.
Here are a few reasons why lentils don’t always get the credit they deserve:
- Perceived as "Boring" or Bland: Lentils have a mild taste on their own, and many people don’t realize how well they absorb flavors when properly seasoned.
- Association with "Health Food": Some see lentils as something only for vegans or health-conscious eaters, not realizing how satisfying and hearty they can be.
- Lack of Awareness: Many don’t know how versatile lentils are—they can replace ground meat in tacos, burgers, and chili, or be used in soups, curries, and salads.
- Texture Misconceptions: Some people find lentils mushy, but different varieties (like French or black lentils) hold their shape and have a firmer texture.
- Not as Marketed as Other Plant Proteins: Unlike tofu or cauliflower, lentils don’t have the same trendy appeal, so they don’t get as much attention in plant-based food conversations.
Buy a bag of lentils from the store, and make lentil taco chili with the help of Peas and Carrots.
Andrew Bernard
16. Apple Chili
After I started meal prepping, one thing that I found confusing was putting fruit in recipes. I was used to various fruit-based desserts and salads with fruit but not including it in a main course.
I learned that fruit was great at sweetening food. With this apple chili from Make It Dairy Free, the red delicious (or golden delicious or pink lady depending on your preference) enhances the chili and makes a great flavor profile.
Deryn Macey
17. White Bean Chili
White beans are a highly nutritious and versatile plant-based protein. They come in several varieties, including but are not limited to cannellini beans, navy beans, Great Northern beans, and baby lima beans, each with a slightly different texture and flavor.
Why Eat White Beans?
- High in Plant-Based Protein: A great alternative to meat, white beans provide a rich source of protein, perfect for vegan and vegetarian diets.
- Packed with Fiber: They support digestion, gut health, and blood sugar regulation, helping you feel full longer.
- Nutrient-Dense: White beans are loaded with iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate, making them excellent for heart health and energy levels.
- Creamy Texture and Mild Flavor: Their soft texture makes them great for soups, stews, dips (like white bean hummus), or even blended into creamy sauces.
- Sustainable and Affordable: Compared to meat, white beans are low-cost, easy to store, and have a much smaller environmental footprint.
For a meatless alternative, make white bean chili from Running on Real Food.
Ameera and Robin
18. Fajita Bean Chili
I really like meatless fajitas. They are great in tacos, rice bowls, nachos, and more. That is one thing I always tend to make if I am up for Mexican cuisine.
If you prefer that as a chili flavor, I recommend fajita bean chili from Monkey and Me Kitchen Adventures.
Chelsea Plummer | Mae’s Menu
19. Jackfruit Chili
Jackfruit is one of the many foods that I had no idea of its existence prior to going vegan. I have had it a few times, but I do need to make it more often.
In cause you are unaware, jackfruit is a large, tropical fruit native to South and Southeast Asia. It’s often used as a meat substitute in plant-based cooking because of its fibrous, pulled-pork-like texture when cooked.
Why Eat Jackfruit?
- Great Meat Alternative: When unripe, jackfruit has a neutral taste and a meaty texture, making it perfect for tacos, BBQ sandwiches, curries, and stir-fries.
- Nutrient-Rich: Jackfruit is packed with fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and immune health.
- Low in Calories and Fat-Free: Unlike some other meat substitutes, jackfruit is naturally low in fat and calories, making it a lighter alternative.
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Jackfruit grows abundantly with minimal resources, making it a more sustainable option compared to resource-intensive animal agriculture.
- Naturally Sweet and Versatile: Ripe jackfruit is sweet and can be used in smoothies, desserts, or eaten fresh, while unripe jackfruit is perfect for savory dishes.
If you are craving to try something new, make jackfruit chili with the help of Mae's Menu.
Kaylie Grace
20. Tempeh Chili
My dad is a crop farmer, specifically corn and soybeans. They tended to be used as feed for farm animals (aka livestock).
After I became vegan, I realized that there are so many foods that are made out of soybeans.
For example, tempeh is a fermented soybean product that originated in Indonesia. It’s made by culturing cooked soybeans with a beneficial mold, which binds them into a firm, dense cake. Unlike tofu, tempeh has a chewier texture and a slightly nutty, earthy flavor, making it a great meat alternative.
Why Eat Tempeh?
- High in Protein: Tempeh packs about 15-20g of protein per serving, making it one of the best plant-based protein sources.
- Rich in Probiotics and Gut-Friendly: Because it’s fermented, tempeh contains natural probiotics, which help with digestion and gut health.
- Nutrient-Dense: It's loaded with iron, calcium, fiber, and B vitamins, making it a nutritious alternative to meat.
- Firm, Meaty Texture: Unlike tofu, tempeh has a dense, chewy consistency, making it a great swap for chicken, bacon, or burgers.
- Versatile and Absorbs Flavors Well: Tempeh can be grilled, marinated, stir-fried, crumbled into tacos, or sliced into sandwiches.
- Sustainable and Whole-Food Based: Since tempeh is made from whole soybeans, it’s minimally processed and more environmentally friendly than meat.
If you want to give this a try, make tempeh chili with the help of Purely Kaylie.
Hannah
21. Chili Cornbread Pie
Now that we went over vegan chili recipes, it is now type to incorporate chili with other types of food.
For example, try chili cornbread pie from Domestic Gothness.
Florian
22. Chili Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods. Unfortunately, I have not found a dairy-free recipe or store-bought version that compares to the regular versions with dairy in it.
I guess I have to keep experimenting. If you are open to trying it chili-flavored, make chili mac and cheese with the help of Contentedness Cooking.
Keri Bevan
23. Chili Dogs
Last year, I had a nice family weekend trip to the Twin Cities, Minnesota, to watch a couple of professional women's basketball games (WNBA). Granted, half of my siblings live there. Everyone who lived in Iowa, including me, had to go up there.
On Friday, August 23, 2024, the Minnesota Lynx placed the Las Vegas Aces. We spent a decent part of Saturday at the Minnesota State Fair. Then, that evening (August 24), we saw Minnesota Lynx play Indiana Fever. It was great seeing Kate Martin and Caitlin Clark play despite them losing their games.
This year, Kate Martin will play on Golden State Valkyries in San Francisco, and my parents bought tickets to see Indiana Fever play at Chicago Sky in June.
Before seeing the Minnesota Lynx vs Las Vegas game, we went out to eat near the Target Center at The Depot Tavern. I got a vegan brat. It looked a little weird, but it was scrumptious. Vegan meat alternatives have greatly changed over the years, and I am excited to see what they have in store in years to come.
If you prefer a meatless chili dog, make vegan chili dogs from The Daily Dish.
Andrew Bernard
24. Chili Cheese Fries
Chili fries are a delicious comfort food typically made with crispy fries topped with hearty chili and often finished with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
In a vegan version, you can swap out the traditional meat-based chili for a plant-based alternative using ingredients like lentils, black beans, or cauliflower.
How to Make Vegan Chili Fries
- Base: Use baked, air-fried, or classic crispy fries (sweet potato fries also work great).
- Chili: Make a hearty vegan chili using lentils, black beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, and spices. Jackfruit or crumbled tempeh can also add a meaty texture.
- Toppings: Add vegan cheese, dairy-free sour cream, sliced jalapeños, green onions, or avocado for extra flavor.
If you would rather follow a specific recipe, make vegan chili cheese fries with the help of Make It Dairy Free.
Brittany Roche
25. Chili Cheese Pizza
Last but not least, you cannot go wrong with turning your favorite foods into a pizza. If you are up to this, bake chili cheese fry pizza from Plant Power Couple.
Final Thoughts on Embracing Vegan Chili in Your Diet
Vegan chili is more than just a plant-based alternative. It’s a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying dish that proves you don’t need meat to enjoy a hearty meal.
By using ingredients like cauliflower, beans, lentils, and bold spices, you can create a dish that is just as rich and comforting as traditional chili while being better for your health and the environment.
Embracing vegan chili means embracing a more sustainable, cruelty-free way of eating without compromising on taste.
Whether you're a long-time vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, trying any of these meatless chili recipes is a simple yet impactful step toward healthier eating. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or simply warming up on a cold day.
So next time you crave a comforting bowl of chili, why not try a vegan version? You might just find that it's your new favorite way to enjoy this classic dish.
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