Comfort and Spice: Our Favorite Vegan Chili Recipes

By Linda Barsi,

Last Updated:

Whether you're feeding a crowd or just yourself, a pot of homemade chili makes for a healthy, delicious meal that's freezer-friendly and great for next-day lunches, too. Here are some vegan chili recipes to work into your meal-making routine.

Creamy Vegan Chili Mac in a bowl against a light gray background

Creamy Vegan Chili Mac

In this delectable family-friendly chili, earthy beans, soft pasta, and tender veggies are cooked with chili seasonings then coated in a finger-licking good creamy potato-based cheese sauce. Guaranteed to warm you up from the inside, this cozy dish is a real crowd-pleaser.
Zesty White Bean Chili

Zesty White Bean Chili

Corn and carrots give this flavorful, veggie-packed white bean chili a hint of sweetness. Sweeter still, this simple, satisfying recipe comes together in less than an hour and requires only one pot.
Vegetarian Chili

Hearty Vegetarian Chili

In this mouthwatering chili, steel-cut oats thicken the stew and add a meaty texture, but what really sets this recipe apart is all the fresh vegetables, which blend right in with the beans and sauce. Serve on its own, or top with sliced avocado, chopped scallions, chopped tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
A pot of deep red mole-style vegan chili topped with corn and strips of jicama

Mole-Style Chili with Tamale Croutons

This mole-style chilli is spiced with cocoa and cinnamon and features beans, corn, mushroom, and crunchy croutons made from grilled polenta. Vegan chili heaven.
slow cooker chili

8-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Chili

With an enchanting depth of flavor, this slow-cooker recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want to come home to a hot meal. It’s also open to endless variations when you doctor it up with spices or add other vegetables. Bonus: You don't have to soak the beans first.
30-Minute Easy Vegan Chili

30-Minute Chili

When delicious and fast are both the order of the day serve this 30-minute pinto bean chili over brown rice or whole grain pasta. It's quicker than ordering take out!
Vegan Chili Cheese Fries in a casserole dish

Vegan Chili Cheese Fries

This festive dish is a healthy reinvention of a greasy fast-food classic. Oven-baked steak-cut fries get smothered in a zesty homemade chili, then topped with a smooth potato-based cheesy sauce.
vegan three-bean chili

Three Bean Chili for a Crowd

Chili is an all American classic with Latin American roots. Every household has its own favorite recipe, and each thinks theirs is the best. While we are not here to argue, we’d like to throw this FOK fan-favorite recipe in for a vote.

Vegan Chickpea Chili on Baked Potatoes

If you ask us, chili potatoes should have their own food group. This version features a zesty chickpea chili loaded with mushrooms, bell peppers, sweet corn, and red onion. Serve it atop a freshly baked potato garnished with fresh cilantro, or skip the potato and enjoy the chili straight out of a bowl.

Smoky Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Put your Instant Pot or trusty slow cooker to work on this colorful, comforting, red bean chili. Fire-roasted canned tomatoes and a dash of liquid smoke add a depth of flavor that pairs especially well with sweet potatoes.
Chickpea Chili–Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Baked Sweet Potatoes Stuffed with Chickpea Chili

Load up baked sweet potatoes with a zesty, easy-to-make chickpea chili and you’ve got a tasty weeknight meal that requires little prep or clean-up. Serve as is or top with avocado or vegan Sour Cream.
This vegan chili recipe smells and tastes delicious—try it by itself or poured over a golden baked potato!

Red Lentil Chili

We bet this chili dish could quickly become a family favorite. Red lentils cook very quickly and are not only pretty but creamy and delicious.

Sweet Potato Chili with Kale

What dish can’t be improved by the addition of kale? Sauté onion and bell pepper in orange juice and enjoy this fun twist on the classic dish.

Black Bean and Corn Chili

The ingredient list for this recipe might look a little long, but don’t let that stop you from trying this delectable chili. There are only a few steps, and it is so chock-full of vegetables, beans, and greens that all you need are steamed grains or warm tortillas on the side to make this a filling and complete meal.

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About the Author

Headshot of Linda Barsi

About the Author

Linda Barsi

Linda Barsi is a veggie-loving writer based in Los Angeles. She loves dogs, discovering new vegan restaurants, and mentoring young writers via her YouTube channel. You can follow her on Twitter.
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