15 Hearty Vegan Chili Recipes

Smoky Vegan Chili in a colorful bowl with chips
Photo: Buckwheat Queen

Comforting and homey, a pot of chili is the best way to enjoy a cold evening at home. But just because you're vegan doesn't mean you have to miss out on this classic dish. Chili is easy to make plant-based, with a variety of beans, grains, veggies, and spices combining to create that stick-to-your-ribs meal. Try one of our 15 vegan chili recipes and don't forget to serve it with a dollop of guacamole or cashew sour cream for extra richness.

01 of 15

The Best Vegetarian Chili in the World

red chilli in a pot
Jaxon's Mom

This recipe title isn't an exaggeration. With three types of beans, plant-based "beef" crumbles, and plenty of veggies, you'll find a bowl of this vegan chili irresistible. "This recipe tempts me to never buy canned chili again," says reviewer Aviva Jorstad. "My whole family enjoyed this one and the leftovers have proved tastier than the first bowl."

02 of 15

Incredibly Easy Vegetarian Chili

bowl of chili with carrots, tomatoes, corn, beans
Ellyx3

There's no need to overcomplicate things. This vegan chili may be simple to make but shines with bold flavor thanks to plenty of chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano.

03 of 15

Spicy Vegan Chili

Spicy Vegan Chili
karkar

For the hot head vegans this spicy chili hits the spot. For a hotter dish keep the seeds from the jalapeños, or deseed the peppers for a milder bite. Diane Gifford says, "Everyone loved it. Even the meat eaters!"

04 of 15

Hearty Vegan Slow-Cooker Chili

chili in a slow cooker
Jeremy Neely

All you need is a little patience to create this hearty vegan chili in the slow cooker. Packed with veggies like zucchini, yellow squash, and spinach, it's an all-in-one meal that will help you meet your daily vegetable intake goals.

05 of 15

Veggie Vegetarian Chili

Veggie Vegetarian Chili
LilPhotog

Described by recipe creator LilPhotog as able to "feed an army," this chili makes plenty of servings for a crowd, or freezing for later as a quick meal. The mushrooms add a slightly meaty texture to balance out the trio of beans.

06 of 15

Vegan Chili

Vegan Chili in a blue bowl
Renee Kamon

Vegan Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke are the key ingredients to making this umami-rich chili. Be sure to seek out vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce, which can be found in most health food stores, because the traditional kind contains anchovies.

07 of 15

Grandma's Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Grandma's Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili in a black pot

It doesn't get much easier than this Grandma-approved chili recipe. All you have to do is dump and stir the ingredients, then walk away for a few hours so the slow cooker can do its magic.

08 of 15

Easy Vegan Chili

Easy Vegan Chili
Allrecipes Photo

A few uncommon chili ingredients, including a potato, red lentils, and a dash of sugar, are what round out the flavor in this unique vegan chili. Recipe creator ortmannicole suggests, "Leftovers taste great with noodles as pasta sauce."

09 of 15

Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili

Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili in a white bowl
Ham

Black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans are the stars of this extra hearty chili. "Chili was awesome! Even my meat loving husband loved it," says reviewer Catie N.

10 of 15

Black Bean Chili

Black Bean Chili in a metal bowl
David Basile

Fresh sweet corn and bright ripe tomatoes mean this black bean chili is a must-make in the summer months with peak produce. But if you're making this during an off season, many reviewers had success substituting in canned corn and tomatoes.

11 of 15

Low-Calorie Vegan Chili

Vegan Chili in a white bowl

Packed with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions, this diet-conscious chili only comes out to 220 calories per serving.

12 of 15

Smoky Vegan Chili

Smoky Vegan Chili in a colorful bowl with chips
Buckwheat Queen

Chipotle chilis in adobo sauce is the key ingredient to this smoky and a little spicy vegan chili. It can be found in the Hispanic section of most grocery stores and leftovers can be frozen for future recipes.

13 of 15

Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

Quinoa and Black Bean Chili in a white bowl
cookin'mama

Quinoa creates a heartier texture in this recipe and adds plenty of plant-based protein. "I made it exactly as stated and it truly turned out perfectly," says nmeacham. "I love the spiciness and the consistency couldn't be better!

14 of 15

Vegan Chunky Chili

Vegan Chunky Chili
Lady at the Stove

Recipe creator Krista B describes this recipe as, "A from-scratch chili that uses many different vegetables as well as beans, lentils and tofu to provide that 'full' feeling that chili with meat offers."

15 of 15

Vegan Chili con Carne with Beans

Vegan Chili con Carne with Beans in a white bowl
gartenfree

While "con carne" means "with meat," this hearty vegan chili uses white, black, and kidney beans instead to create the meaty texture. Don't skip the sherry vinegar at the end, it adds a bright note to the dish that makes the entire recipe wow-worthy.

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