Ultra-Hearty Vegan Chili (Meat-Eaters Love It Too!)

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Created on August 19th, 2025 at 04:38 pm

Bold, smoky, comforting — plant-based perfection 🌱

This ultra-hearty vegan chili recipe is so good, even meat lovers will beg for seconds! Packed with plant-based Beyond Meat, three kinds of beans, and bold chili spices, it’s the kind of cozy, one-pot meal that satisfies everyone. Whether you’re prepping for a game day crowd or just need an easy weeknight win, this vegan chili recipe delivers smoky, savory flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s gluten-free, high in protein, and totally customizable. Add all your favorite toppings — from avocado to crunchy corn chips — and you’ve got a chili night masterpiece. Serve over rice, pasta, or with a hunk of vegan cornbread for pure comfort in a bowl. 🍲🔥

Smoky Veggie Chili Even Meat-Lovers Crave

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 10 cups

📝 Ingredients List

Soffritto (Sautéed Veggies)

1 tablespoon oil
1 small onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 large carrot, grated and chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced

Plant-Based Ground + Spices

2 Beyond Meat patties, thawed
4–6 oz tomato paste
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon chipotle powder or chipotle Tabasco
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1–2 teaspoons cumin
2 tablespoons dried oregano
½–1 teaspoon cayenne powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Chili Base

28 oz crushed tomatoes
3 cans (19 oz each) mixed beans (pinto, kidney, black)
4 oz can chopped mild green chilies (optional)
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons sriracha (or to taste)
1–3 cups water or broth (as needed for thinning)
1 lime, to finish

Optional Toppings

Green onions, sliced
Chopped cilantro
Vegan cheese, shredded
Vegan sour cream or cashew cream
1 avocado, sliced
Crushed tortilla or corn chips
Cooked rice or spaghetti

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Chop and sauté the veggies:
Dice onion, celery, and carrot, and mince garlic. Heat oil in a Dutch oven and sauté the veggies for 5–8 minutes until soft and fragrant. 🍳
Brown the plant-based meat:
Push veggies to the side. Add Beyond Meat patties and brown over medium heat, breaking them up with a spoon.
Add tomato paste + spices:
Stir in tomato paste. Let it cook for 2 minutes until it turns deep red. Add water to thin if needed. Sprinkle in all spices and stir well.
Pour in beans, tomatoes, chilies:
Add all three types of beans, crushed tomatoes, and chopped green chilies. Stir to combine. The pot should look chunky and hearty. 🫘
Add sauces + simmer:
Stir in BBQ sauce and sriracha. Add 1–3 cups of water to loosen the mixture. Cover partially and simmer on low for 20–30 minutes. Stir often.
Finish with lime juice + toppings:
Squeeze in fresh lime juice and stir. Serve hot over rice or pasta with your favorite toppings. Garnish with cilantro, avocado, and a dollop of vegan sour cream. 🌿✨

💡 Pro Tips Section

Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days or freezer for up to 6 months. Freeze in single portions for easy meal prep.
Mock Meat Options: Swap Beyond with Impossible, veggie mince, tempeh, or tofu crumbles.
Flavor Depth: Don’t rush the soffritto! Let veggies caramelize slightly to build rich base flavor.
Serving Ideas: Serve with vegan chili dogs, baked potatoes, over nachos, or make chili cheese fries!

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.