Easy 30-Minute Vegan Chili Recipe - Running on Real Food (2024)

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posted: 11/06/19 — updated: 01/16/24 by Deryn Macey Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe·5 from 6 reviews

This easy vegan chili is healthy, delicious and ready to enjoy in just 30-minutes making it perfect for a weeknight meal. This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, oil-free, sugar-free and grain-free.

Easy 30-Minute Vegan Chili Recipe - Running on Real Food (1)

Table of Contents

Easy Vegan Chili Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy vegan chili:

  1. Onion, garlic and bell peppers. Onion, garlic and bell peppers make the veggie base of the recipe. You can use white or yellow onion and any colour of bell pepper.
  2. Beans. I used 1 can of kidney beans and 1 can of pinto beans but black beans, white beans and small red beans also work well.
  3. Canned diced tomatoes. I love the Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes from Muir Glen but any kind works. You’ll need 1 large 28 oz can.
  4. Vegetable broth. You’ll need up to 2 cups of veggie broth and you can use homemade, carton or bouillon cubes or powder.
  5. Cocoa powder. Ever added cocoa powder to chili? Sounds a little strange but it adds a lovely depth of flavour. You’ll need just 1 tsp and it’s optional so if you don’t have any on hand, no worries.
  6. Spices. To season the chili, you will need mild chili powder, oregano and cumin.
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Easy 30-Minute Vegan Chili Recipe - Running on Real Food (3)
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Best Chili Toppings

Toppings are the best part of chili, aren’t they? My favourites are vegan queso and tortilla chips! Here are some yummy ways to top your chili – pick 4 or 5 and make a chili bar for a fun and healthy weeknight meal.

  • crushed tortilla chips
  • avocado
  • vegan queso
  • vegan sour cream
  • cilantro
  • green onion
  • shredded vegan cheese
  • chipotle sauce
Easy 30-Minute Vegan Chili Recipe - Running on Real Food (5)

Easy Vegan Chili Recipe

This simple, healthy chili recipe is easy to make in about 30 minutes. The recipe is vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, sugar-free and can be made in advance and stored up to 4 days. Enjoy with your favourite chili toppings for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to customize this recipe:

  • stir in 1 cup of canned or frozen corn at the end
  • add up to 1 cup diced carrot with the rest of the veggies at the beginning
  • use any kind of cooked beans or lentils, up to 3 cups total
  • for some heat, add 1 diced jalepeno with the rest of the veggies at the beginning
  • for chipotle chili, add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce when you add the spices

More Chili Recipes

Here are some more chili recipes you might enjoy:

  • Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
  • Instant Pot Quinoa Chili
  • Vegan 3-Bean Chili
  • Slow Cooker Red Lentil Chili
  • Vegan White Bean Chili
  • Chipotle Butternut Squash Chili with Black Beans

This chili is also amazing served over baked potatoes or baked fries, especially when topped with vegan queso sauce!

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Easy 30-Minute Vegan Chili Recipe - Running on Real Food (6)

Easy Vegan Chili

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star5 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Deryn Macey
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegan
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Description

This easy vegan chili is ready in just 30-minutes making it perfect for a hearty, healthy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 white or yellow onion, approx. 2 cups
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tbsp mild chili powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional, for spicy chili
  • 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (1.5 cups, see notes)
  • 1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (1.5 cups)
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes, with the juices
  • 1.5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • sea salt to taste, if needed

Instructions

  1. Add the onion, bell peppers and garlic to a large soup pot with 1-2 tbsp of water or vegetable broth.
  2. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes.
  3. Add the chili powder, oregano and cumin, stir to combine and cook for a couple more minutes. If the pot starts to dry out, add a splash of water.
  4. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer lightly for 15 minutes.
  5. Optional: using an immersion blender in the pot, pulse the chili a few times to blend just a bit of it and create some texture and thickness – or add a big scoop to a blender, pulse a few times then pour back into the pot.
  6. Turn off the heat and let the chili sit for 5 minutes to thicken a little. It will continue to thicken in the fridge.
  7. Serve right away with your favourite chili toppings. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Notes

Use any combination of beans up to 3 cups total. Black beans, white beans, chickpeas, small red beans and black-eyed peas all work well.

Fall Freezer-Friendly Gluten-Free Grain-Free Less than 30 Minutes Low-Fat Nut-Free Oil-Free Recipes Soups and Stews Soy-Free Sugar-Free Winter

posted by Deryn Macey on November 6, 2019

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10 comments on “Easy Vegan Chili”

  1. Terri February 13, 2023 @ 3:07 pm Reply

    Super delicious! Made with some of your variations and allowed it to thicken b4 enjoying. Success from going to eating meat based chilli with grated cheddar and avoid eating but a few of the beans to whole food plant based and eating this much beans in one meal without missing the meat or dairy😁

  2. Lana Dunn November 27, 2022 @ 3:14 pm Reply

    This chilli is delicious. And so easy to make. We added some fake meat to ours.

  3. Juliette November 7, 2022 @ 3:37 pm Reply

    Soo yummy! Will def be a staple in my recipes 🙂

  4. Meagan January 22, 2022 @ 8:58 am Reply

    Delicious! So easy and fast to prepare! I added black beans as well but followed the recipe exactly otherwise.

  5. Laurel January 19, 2021 @ 8:30 pm Reply

    Yum! This is a tasty and easy plant-based chili recipe. It’s easy to customize with what you have on hand. I went all in with the veggies and added corn, carrots and chickpeas. Definitely recommend some avocado and crushed tortilla chips on top. This will be my go-to for chili!

    • Deryn Macey January 20, 2021 @ 5:03 am Reply

      That sounds amazing! So glad you loved it. Thanks for letting me know!

  6. Chely December 10, 2020 @ 3:43 pm Reply

    This was really good. I omitted the cocoa powder and added some quinoa. This was very filling. Thanks.

  7. Maria March 29, 2020 @ 11:55 am Reply

    Deeeeelish!!!! So perfect for these cold rainy days, sheltering in place out here in Chicago! So glad I made enough for the week :)) Thank you for the awesome recipe! 😋🥰

    • Deryn March 29, 2020 @ 2:47 pm Reply

      So glad you enjoyed it! Stay warm and cozy out there! Thanks for the rating 🙂

  8. Jennifer November 6, 2019 @ 4:19 pm Reply

    We loved this recipe! I used kidney beans and black beans and added corn at the end. Super easy and yummy. Topped with some vegan cheese..so good.

Easy 30-Minute Vegan Chili Recipe - Running on Real Food (2024)

FAQs

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

How to store and reheat vegetarian chili. In the refrigerator: this plant-based chili will stay good in your fridge for about 1 week. Once your chili is completely cooled, just place it in an airtight container (or multiple, if you'd like to meal prep it) without the additional toppings and place it in the fridge.

Is Trader Joe's vegetarian chili vegan? ›

I think this may be the third iteration of Trader Joe's vegetarian (really vegan) chili. — at one point, they swapped out the soy for sunflower protein, and now peas are having their day in the sun. So, if you have allergies or sensitivities to peas, proceed with caution.

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 does Martha Stewart make chili? ›

Add chili powder, cocoa, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, broth, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until thickened slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve with sour cream and chives.

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.

What are the best beans for 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.

Is Wendy's chili meatless? ›

THE SIGNATURE WENDY'S CHILI RECIPE IS THE PERFECT MIX OF OUR SIGNATURE BEEF, HEARTY VEGETABLES, CHILI BEANS AND SAVORY SPICES.

Does Chick Fil A have vegan meat options? ›

Chick-fil-A offers a few options for those times you need to feed a bunch of hungry vegans at once. Does Chick-fil-A offer vegan chicken? No, there is no vegan chicken. But since other fast-food chains have introduced plant-based substitutes for chicken, we might see this at Chick-fil-A before long.

Is Amy's organic chili vegan? ›

Our Medium Chili is made from organic red beans and tofu simmered in a thick and flavorful Mexican-style broth. For those who want big chili flavor without the big heat. Gluten free/dairy free/lactose free/tree nut free/vegan/kosher/plant based (Light in Sodium also available).

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

How do you thicken vegan chili? ›

You can use polenta, arrowroot powder (a gluten-free vegetable root flour), or masa harina as a thickening agent if you don't have cornmeal. In Latin American cooking, chefs use masa harina—a type of cornflour—to make tamales and tortillas.

Do Vegans eat rice? ›

Yes, absolutely! Rice is a common grain in all cooking and has a significant place in the plant-based world too. Some rice dishes may not be suitable for vegans though, so if you're eating out or following a recipe make sure there are no meat, fish or other animal products being used before you tuck in!

Does Ina Garten have a chili recipe? ›

It's no surprise that Ina's chili recipe is a cinch to make. You start by cooking a ton of onions in a pot until translucent, then adding garlic, bell peppers, and several spices — including chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Next, Ina has you crush canned plum tomatoes with your hands.

Why do people put baking soda in chili? ›

According to the magazine's food experimenters, the baking soda treatment will definitely keep the meat tender and juicy when cooked.

What does Wendy's make their chili from? ›

Chili Concentrate: Chili Sauce (Water, Tomato Juice, Tomatoes, Calcium Chloride, Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Corn Starch, Dried Chilies, Spices, Flavor Enhancer [Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Modified Corn Starch], Citric Acid, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Xanthan gum), Beans (Pink Beans, Red ...

Can I eat chili after 7 days in fridge? ›

Generally, homemade chili (chili con carne) will stay good in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container. However, it's important to remember that the length does chili last in the fridge, the higher the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.

How many days is vegan chili good for? ›

Keep the chili in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the chili in a pot over low heat, stirring often.

Can you eat leftover chili after 7 days? ›

According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that.

How long is leftover vegetarian chili good for? ›

To maximize the shelf life of cooked chili for safety and quality, refrigerate the chili promptly in covered airtight containers. Properly stored, cooked chili will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

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