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Craving a cozy bowl of chili that’s big on flavor but skips the meat? You’ve come to the right spot. Here are over 45 vegetarian chili recipes you can try to enjoy meatless comfort food. Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or just looking to cut down on meat, these chilis are so hearty and delicious, that you won’t miss the meat at all.
Let’s be honest, we all need that go-to dish that’s both satisfying and simple to make, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here. These vegetarian chili recipes are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and even those impromptu gatherings with friends.
These vegetarian chili recipes are perfect for any occasion. These recipes are best enjoyed with your family at dinner or as a hearty meal with a crowd. Enjoy nutritious vegetables, beans, and spices that create a rich and comforting bowl of chili.
45+ Vegetarian Chili Recipes
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili recipe is flavorful, satisfying, and wholesome.
This vegan white chili with chickpeas is quick and easy to make, packed with a bit of spice, filling, comforting, and super nutritious! Naturally gluten-free.
A hearty, comforting and filling vegetarian chili chock full of protein-rich lentils, butternut squash, onion, chiles, peppers, garlic, tomatoes and warming spices galore.
Quick and Easy Vegetarian Chili is packed with delicious bold chili flavor. Hearty, delicious, and so flavorful, this simple chili recipe is so comforting and makes for a perfect meal the whole family can enjoy.
This Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili is loaded with healthy vegetables like sweet bell pepper, tomatoes, and zucchini, chunks of delicious butternut squash, and three different kinds of beans.
This Slow Cooker Fall Harvest Chili is full of all those delicious fall flavors, like butternut squash and pumpkin. A perfect cozy meal for those chilly nights.
This Instant Pot Healthy Chili Mac is one of those dishes that will become a go to. Hardly any chopping required and it uses mostly pantry ingredients.
Southwest-Style Vegan Beet and Bean Chili with Roasted Corn
A twist on a traditional chili recipe, this Vegan and Vegetarian Beet and Black Bean Chili with Roasted Corn is packed with plant-based protein and delicious Southwest flavors!
A creamy vegetarian white chili that’s ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is on the fast track of becoming one of my favourite quick dinners. It’s a simple yet comforting meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight and super easy to make vegan, too.
This vegan chili is vegan and plant-based. It is oil free and uses waltnuts as a meat substitute. It’s super easy to make with canned beans and tomatoes.
This Black Bean Pumpkin Chili recipe is easy to make and loaded with hearty beans and creamy pumpkin to give it a rich and delicious flavor. This vegan chili is a crowd pleaser.
Three bean chili with pinto, black, and Great Northern beans – the perfect warm-you-up dinner. It’s a one pot meal that’s ready in less than half an hour. Vegan & gluten-free.
A hearty, flavorful veggie chili that’s super simple to make. Just toss everything into the Instant Pot, shut the lid, and let it cook! No soaking, no sauteing, no fuss.
This quick, incredibly delicious vegetarian chili recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes, almost entirely with pantry staples! So fantastic, yet so easy!
This Black Bean and Corn Chili is a great meatless meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s so thick and hearty, you won’t miss the meat. Especially when paired with some warm baked corn bread!
This spicy vegan beer chili is made with beans, peppers, tomatoes, and (of course) beer. It’s an easy cold-weather stew that’s perfect for Game Day and makes a perfect campfire chili!
This vegetarian chili is filled with flavor, texture, and the perfect amount of spice. The recipe combines easy canned ingredients with some fresh ingredients that makes a one pan meal that’s perfect for the colder months. Even meat eaters loved it too!
This vegan butternut squash chili is the perfect game day food. It’s hearty and nourishing, with a bit of spice to keep you warm on cold winter nights. Plus, it will quickly become a family favorite!
Three pro tips and an unexpected ingredient give this vegan chili with charred veggies a silky, spicy, and smoky flavor. Vegans and non-vegans alike can choose their protein add-ins.
This Crockpot Vegetarian Chili recipe is super easy and great for even the pickiest of eaters. A great combo of beans, veggies and lentils come together for a great tasting chili.
Kabocha squash chili made in the slow cooker is a hearty vegetarian chili that’s filling, flavorful and great in the colder months when squash is in season.
Nothing says comfort meal like this easy and hearty vegetarian / vegan Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili. The perfect way to warm up on a cold day!
Yes, you can freeze vegetarian chili. It typically freezes well and can be reheated later for consumption. To freeze vegetarian chili, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, then label it with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What is the secret to making a good chili?
The secret to making a good chili lies in the balance of flavors, including a combination of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, as well as using quality ingredients such as fresh vegetables and beans, and allowing it to simmer to develop depth of flavor.
What is the best meat substitute for chili?
The best meat substitute for chili often depends on personal preference, but popular options include textured vegetable protein (TVP), tempeh, or a variety of beans such as black beans, kidney beans, or lentils for texture and protein.
Kristen is a writer, photographer, recipe developer, and certified functional nutrition expert. She is also the author of Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook, Vegetarian Family Cookbook, and Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners. Her work has been featured in various print and online publications including Elle, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, MSN, New York Daily News, Healthline, and many more. Kristen is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.