20 Vegetarian Chili Recipes for Hearty Meatless Meals

01/06/2023

Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher

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Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher

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Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher

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Photo By: Con Poulos Prop Stylist: Marina

Plant-Based Goodness

The best thing about vegetarian chili is that it’s often quicker and easier to make than most meat-based versions—but it’s still hearty and delicious. Whether you pack it with beans, squash, lentils or tofu, vegetarian (or vegan!) chili makes it easy to incorporate more plant-based dishes into your weekly routine. Just take this protein-packed recipe, for example. We load it up with navy beans and brown lentils to make it extra filling and give it a generous dose of dried spices to boost the flavor. It has full, slow-cooked flavor thanks to our secret ingredient (fire-roasted tomatoes) but is on the table in just one hour, making it an easy option any night of the week.

Get the Recipe:Healthy Lentil Chili

Vegetarian Chili

Packed with nutritious beans like white beans, kidney beans, lima beans and black beans, this chili recipe couldn’t get any more hearty. Minced pickled jalapeno adds a bright spicy flavor, and Mexican oregano adds a bit of earthiness. Serve over couscous and top with shredded cheese.

Get the Recipe:Vegetarian Chili

Spicy Vegetarian Chili

Like most vegetarian chili recipes, this one is packed with vegetables. Unlike most vegetarian chili recipes, it’s bursting with unique flavor thanks to the inclusion of a secret ingredient—coffee! Coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder add a complexity that’s reminiscent of mole in this elevated recipe. Top with torn tortilla chips and fresh cilantro.

Get the Recipe:Spicy Vegetarian Chili

Veg-Head Three-Bean Chili

If you’re feeding both meat eaters and non-meat eaters in the same meal, this hearty recipe is an easy way to please both parties. Three types of beans and three types of peppers mean this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. Top it with scallions, shredded cheese and crispy tortilla chips.

Get the Recipe:Veg-Head Three-Bean Chili

Veggie Chili

Baby bella mushrooms add a filling density to this vegetarian chili recipe. It’s packed with bell peppers, chopped cilantro, and dried spices like chili powder and smoked paprika. Frozen corn and diced zucchini help balance it out with a gentle sweetness.

Get the Recipe:Veggie Chili

Roasted Vegetable Chili with Cornbread Biscuits

Hearty vegetarian chili is delicious, but it’s even better when it’s topped with cornbread biscuits. Ready in just one hour, this is a complete meal that kids and adults alike will crave. It’s packed with vegetables and spices, so it’s flavorful and nutritious at the same time.

Get the Recipe:Roasted Vegetable Chili with Cornbread Biscuits

Vegan Lentil Chili

Who needs meat when you can pack your chili with hearty lentils? This nutritious recipe is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, because it’s bursting with bright flavor and doesn’t skimp on texture. It’s thick, nourishing and filling—just the way chili should be.

Get the Recipe:Vegan Lentil Chili

Three Bean and Lentil Green Chili

This tomatillo-based green chili is bright, zesty and flavorful. Loaded with green lentils and cannellini beans and chickpeas, it’s super hearty and filling, too. For an easy meal prep option, make a big batch in advance and freeze it for future dinners.

Get the Recipe:Three Bean and Lentil Green Chili

Spicy Three-Bean Pantry Chili

For a flavorful chili that tastes like it took all day, try this recipe that can be ready in under an hour. Caramelized tomato paste and warm herbs add rich flavor to this hearty but simple stew. Chipotle in adobo adds extra heat to the already-spicy dish.

Get the Recipe:Spicy Three-Bean Pantry Chili

Vegetarian Skillet Chili Topped with Cornbread

If you’re a fan of one-pot meals, you’ll love this single-skillet chili recipe. Butternut squash acts as a sweet base that balances out the spicy heat of chili powder and canned chiles. Spinach and kidney beans make it extra hearty, and soft, flaky cornbread makes for an irresistible topping.

Get the Recipe:Vegetarian Skillet Chili Topped with Cornbread

Four-Bean Chili

Chili is better when packed with beans, and this recipe calls for four of them. Black beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans and pinto beans combine for a hearty dish that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. To keep this recipe vegetarian, make sure to skip the Worcestershire sauce and chopped bacon.

Get the Recipe:Four-Bean Chili

Weeknight Two-Bean Chili

Chili recipes are known for cooking low and slow, and they usually take all day to prepare. That’s not the case with this two-bean chili recipe. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice or spaghetti for an easy meal you can make in advance.

Get the Recipe:Weeknight Two-Bean Chili

Summer Vegetable Chili

Tomatoes are the star of chili recipes everywhere, and the fresh ones are best in summertime. This summer-style chili recipe features fire-roasted corn, mushrooms and pinto beans for a hearty dinner that can be made any night of the week. Serve it with warm tortillas and torn cilantro.

Get the Recipe:Summer Vegetable Chili

Vegetarian Chili with Summer Vegetables

Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and easy summer chili recipe is a dinnertime savior. Combine fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, fire roasted corn and tofu with chili powder and cumin for a hearty dinner you’ll fall back on time and time again. It’s the perfect dish to whip up when you want something light and filling at the same time.

Get the Recipe:Vegetarian Chili with Summer Vegetables

Stuffed Potatoes with Lentil Chili

Hearty baked potatoes are made even more filling with this recipe. First, bake russet potatoes until fork-tender, then fill with homemade vegetarian chili. Top with a generous helping of shredded cheese.

Get the Recipe:Stuffed Potatoes with Lentil Chili

Squash-Black Bean Chili

Butternut squash is the perfect way to add a bit of sweetness to any meal. This simple chili recipe calls for the usual suspects—like canned tomatoes and beans—but it’s kicked up with the addition of sweet, hearty squash. Top with pepitas for extra crunch and serve with warm, crusty cornbread.

Get the Recipe:Squash-Black Bean Chili

Black Bean, Lentil and Eggplant Chili

Eggplant acts like a sponge in this delicious recipe—it soaks up all the warm flavors of cumin, garlic and chili peppers. Packed with beans, tomatoes and a variety of chile peppers, it’s warm and hearty with the perfect amount of heat. To balance out the spice with some bright acidity, serve with freshly-squeezed lime juice.

Get the Recipe:Black Bean, Lentil and Eggplant Chili

French Lentil and Hominy Chili

Lentil and hominy are the perfect ingredients for chili, because they’re hearty and filling. This super thick recipe gets fresh flavor from bell peppers and jalapeno peppers alike. Serve it with fresh avocado, a squeeze of lime zest and some cotija cheese.

Get the Recipe:French Lentil and Hominy Chili

Cauliflower and Bean Chili

Cauliflower is one of the most versatile recipes out there, and it adds depth and texture when it’s added to soups and chilis. First sauté carrots, peppers and onions, then add spices, coffee and water. Simmer until the coffee is evaporated, and add in the grated cauliflower. Cook until fork tender and serve with salt and pepper.

Get the Recipe:Cauliflower and Bean Chili

Smoky Veggie Chili

Looking for a way to use up leftover kale? Try this hearty vegetarian chili recipe. It’s packed with nutritious veggies and can be ready in under an hour, which means it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknight dinners.

Get the Recipe:Smoky Veggie Chili

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