Vegetarian Chili

Vegan and Gluten-Free

By
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 09/16/21
Tested by
Tara Omidvar
Tara Omidvar
Tested by Tara Omidvar
Tara is a professional food photographer and recipe tester and developer. She received her bachelor's degree in photography at the Azad University of Art and Architecture and her Diploma of Culinary Management from George Brown College in Toronto. She runs her own food blog Made of Sugar and Saffron, where she shares her love of sweets and foods from around the world.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Vegetarian Chili

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
253 Calories
6g Fat
39g Carbs
13g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 253
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 528mg 23%
Total Carbohydrate 39g 14%
Dietary Fiber 13g 46%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 13g
Vitamin C 37mg 186%
Calcium 101mg 8%
Iron 4mg 20%
Potassium 698mg 15%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This vegetarian and vegan chili is quick, easy, and gluten-free to boot. It's a flavorful and filling option for a weeknight dinner, family meal, potluck, hot lunch, and more.

For extra texture surprisingly close to meat, include the TVP (textured vegetable protein) called for in this recipe or swap for your favorite vegetarian ground "beef." If needed, brown in a skillet and drain before adding. Drained and pressed crumbled firm or extra-firm tofu also works nicely.

Serve this veggie chili with fun toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream (dairy or vegan alternatives), avocado, cilantro, pickled jalapeños or red onion, and sliced green onions. Crisp tortilla chips are a popular side dish and great for dunking.

"Great vegetarian and vegan dish for bringing to a potluck or for a family dinner. It's very easy and quick to prepare and you can just simply let it simmer on the stovetop until done. You can store any leftovers in the fridge and it tastes even better the next day!" —Tara Omidvar

Vegetarian Chilli
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1/2 medium onion, diced

  • 1 bell pepper, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes

  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste

  • 1 dash cayenne pepper, optional

  • 1 dash red pepper flakes, optional

  • 1 (15-ounce) can black or pinto beans, drained

  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained

  • 1/2 cup textured vegetable protein (TVP) mixed with 1/2 cup water, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Vegetarian Chili ingredients

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. Add the oil to a medium or large soup pot and heat over medium heat. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes, until the onions are soft.

    Onions, bell pepper, and garlic in pan

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Add in the can of undrained tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir.

    Undrained tomatoes, vegetable broth, and the chili powder in pan

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the beans. Stir occasionally and simmer for at least 20 minutes.

    Chili ingredients in pan

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  5. Add the optional TVP and water 10 minutes before the chili is done.

    TVP added to chili in the pot

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Enjoy.

    Vegetarian Chili

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Tips

  • This recipe is both vegetarian and vegan and it can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free vegetable broth and TVP. Or you can simply swap for water.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer the mixture uncovered for longer to evaporate more of the liquid. Or mash some of the beans to create a naturally thicker mixture.
  • For a thinner chili, add more vegetable broth until the desired consistency is reached.

Recipe Variations

  • You can swap the TVP for cooked and crumbled vegetarian ground "beef," cubed or crumbled firm tofu, or simply leave it out.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. You can also include a chopped jalapeño or two along with the bell pepper.

How to Store and Freeze

  • Vegetarian chili makes great leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • You can also freeze leftover chili for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating and serving.