These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (2024)

Traditional chili is made with some sort of beef — preferably hand-chopped (not ground) — and no beans. Well, actually that depends on what region you’re standing in. But today, we’re sharing a list of meatless chili recipes that are hearty vegetarian and vegan options packed with spice, texture and tons of flavor.

Related storyRachael Ray Calls Her New One-Pot Recipe a 'Vegetarian Winner'

Whether you have time to simmer chili over the stovetop for hours or are counting on the aid of the slow cooker to speed up your meal, these recipes are ready to warm you up and have your home smelling amazing this fall.

1. Sweet potato, black bean and quinoa chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (2)

Photo credit: The Roasted Root

This sweet potato, black bean and quinoa chili is perfect when you have leftovers in the fridge. Throw it all together, and it becomes a delightful meal.

Related storyRachael Ray Calls Her New One-Pot Recipe a 'Vegetarian Winner'

2. Vegetarian beer chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (4)

Photo credit: Take a Megabite

Vegetarian beer chili says “you need a beer.” Eat your beer instead of drinking it by making this recipe.

3. Vegan chili with homemade sour cream recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (5)

Photo credit: Oh She Glows

This vegan chili with homemade sour cream is worth its weight in gold just for that vegan sour cream recipe alone.

4. Butternut squash-chipotle chili with avocado recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (6)

Photo credit: Cookie and Kate

Using seasonal squash as the base in this butternut squash-chipotle chili with avocado makes it a satisfying meal.

5. Spicy vegetarian chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (7)

Photo credit: Simply Recipes

We’re loving the spices and variety of vegetables in this spicy vegetarian chili.

6. Vegetarian quinoa chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (8)

Photo credit: Two Peas & Their Pod

Adding a whole grain like quinoa makes this vegetarian quinoa chili a complete meal.

7. White bean chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (9)

Photo credit: Girl Makes Food

Because black beans and lentils shouldn’t be having all the fun in vegetarian chili, this white bean chili hits the spot.

8. “Chorizo” and black bean vegetarian chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (10)

Photo credit: Foxes Love Lemons

The use of a substitute meat product in this “chorizo” and black bean vegetarian chili makes it an awesome replacement for meat lovers who want to try meatless meals.

9. Vegetarian chili with cilantro-lime cashew sour cream recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (11)

Photo credit: Café Johnsonia

The thing we love most about this vegetarian chili with cilantro-lime cashew sour cream? That sour cream —it looks amazing!

10. Smoky black bean and corn vegetarian chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (12)

Photo credit: Cookin’ Canuck

The addition of corn to this smoky black bean and corn vegetarian chili recipe gives a hint of sweetness that balances this dish perfectly.

11. Veggie-loaded chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (13)

Photo credit: Oh My Veggies

The perfect freezer meal to take to friends with new babies or who are sick in bed, this veggie-loaded chili will warm you to the core.

12. Black bean and lentil chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (14)

Photo credit: Taste Love and Nourish

The blend of two beans in this black bean and lentil chili makes it a hearty, protein-packed meal.

13. Quinoa chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (15)

Photo credit: Damn Delicious

This quinoa chili is packed with green chilies, tomatoes and the works. Plus it’s healthy and delicious.

14. Black bean-butternut squash chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (16)

Photo credit: Will Cook for Friends

This black bean-butternut squash chili is rich and satisfying, so what’s not to love? Serve it over rice for a complete meal.

15. Vegetarian sweet potato chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (17)

Photo credit: Eats Well with Others

Packed with smoky flavor, beans and lots of vegetables, this vegetarian sweet potato chili will become a family favorite.

16. Lentil and quinoa chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (18)

Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This lentil and quinoa chili is vegan and delicious. Give it a try.

17. Smoky black bean chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (19)

Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

Whenever chipotle peppers in adobo are added to chili, the results are like this smoky black bean chili— wonderful!

18. Farro and quinoa Sriracha chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (20)

Photo credit: Bakeaholic Mama

Two whole grains make up this farro and quinoa Sriracha chili. The hint of spicy Sriracha sauce makes it the perfect meal for cold nights.

19. Sweet potato and lentil chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (21)

Photo credit: Damn Delicious

This sweet potato and lentil chili is a robust meal and a great recipe to make ahead and freeze for those nights when you don’t have much time.

20. Black bean and fire-roasted corn chili with cumin-dusted tortilla strips recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (22)

Photo credit: Beard & Bonnet

We’re loving the Latin inspiration in this black bean and fire-roasted corn chili with cumin-dusted tortilla strips.

21. Vegetarian quinoa-black bean chili recipe

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (23)

Photo credit: Rachel Cooks

This vegetarian quinoa-black bean chili is quick and simple —great for weeknight dinners.

More vegetarian and vegan meals

Slow Cooker Sunday: Moroccan chowder for a flavor-packed meal Vegetarian French onion soup Vegan spicy pumpkin soup with lemongrass and coconut milk

These vegetarian and vegan chili recipes are a hearty take on comfort food (2024)

FAQs

Is chili a comfort food? ›

This classic comfort food is the perfect end to a cold day. Its versatility can make it suitable to most taste preferences and although many think it's unhealthy, chili is really full of nutritious ingredients.

What is the secret to making good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

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.

Does Hormel make a vegan chili? ›

Hormel Plant-Based Chili with Beans

This plant-based chili is free of dairy, eggs, gluten, BPA, and artificial flavors. Although it's not certified vegan, all of the ingredients listed on the can are vegan-friendly.

Why is food called comfort food? ›

Comfort foods are called comfort foods because they're, well, comforting. Eating these foods provides emotional and physical comfort. Comfort foods stimulate the brain's reward system and make you feel good. The term comfort food first appeared in a 1966 article in the Palm Beach Post newspaper.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What brings out the taste in chili? ›

Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

Cooking is often about finding a balance between these basic taste sensations, which is why apple cider vinegar can be exactly what you need to make your pot of chili a little brighter. Acids enhance the salty, umami-rich flavors already present in chili, and round out the sweetness, adding intricacy to the dish.

Does Gordon Ramsay put beans in chili? ›

Gordon Ramsay's recipe for chili con carne includes onion, a red chili pepper, fresh tomatoes, and kidney beans. Ramsay's chili recipe is lengthy — it includes everything from ground cumin and sweet paprika to a cinnamon stick, ground beef or beef mince, and garlic.

What is the best onion for chili? ›

Yellow Onions: These are the most versatile and widely available type of onion, and are a good choice for chili con carne. They have a slightly sweet, sharp, and tangy flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

What beans do you drain for chili? ›

Common choices are kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans. Simply rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the chili during the last half hour of cooking. Beans not only add a hearty texture but also increase the fiber content of your chili, making it even more filling and nutritious.

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.

Who makes vegetarian chili? ›

HORMEL® Chili Vegetarian with Beans is a savory twist on our classic chili. Juicy vegetables, plump beans, tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, corn, carrots and green chilis combine to make a chili that is 99% fat free and bursting with flavorful spices.

What chilli sauce is vegan? ›

Many brands, including Cholula, Frank's RedHot, Tabasco, Tapatío, and most Sriracha brands are vegan.

What is the most common comfort food? ›

Nearly 15 percent of the 2,252 adults surveyed by Harris listed pizza as their top comfort food, more than twice as many as said chocolate (7 percent) or ice cream (7 percent) and more still than said mac and cheese (5 percent), chips (4 percent), hamburgers (3 percent), steak (3 percent), or either popcorn, pasta or ...

What kind of food is chili considered? ›

Chili is considered a type of stew because of its low liquid content and is usually made with chilis or chili powder.

What food classification is chili? ›

They grow in warm climates around the world. Chilis are technically berries because they contain seeds. But they are used more like a vegetable or spice because they have a savory, spicy flavor.

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