• Prep-time: / Ready In:
  • Makes 13 cups
  • Serving size: 3¼ cups
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This spicy vegan mac gets beefed up with tempeh crumbles, and because it uses just one pot, it's super easy to clean up. Kidney beans add extra staying power, while a spicy aromatic tomato sauce—featuring tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and finely chopped fresh jalapeño—coats every inch of the earthy whole wheat macaroni elbows. And because this plant-based tempeh chili mac is free from meat and dairy, you will leave the table feeling satisfied but not stuffed.

Tips

Wear gloves: Chile peppers contain oils that can irritate your skin and eyes. Wear plastic or rubber gloves when working with them.

Gluten-free: This recipe can be made gluten-free if you choose gluten-free options for the following ingredients: macaroni (or other pasta), tempeh, and chili powder.

For more inspiration, check out these tasty ideas:

By Nancy Macklin, RDN,

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 fresh jalapeño chile, seeded (optional) and finely chopped (see tip, recipe intro)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons no-salt-added tomato paste
  • 1 8-oz. package tempeh, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 28-oz. can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 15-oz. cans no-salt-added kidney beans, undrained
  • 2 cups dried whole wheat macaroni
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Sliced scallions, chopped fresh cilantro, and/or fresh jalapeño slices (optional)

Instructions

  • In a 5- to 6-quart. Dutch oven cook the first five ingredients (through garlic) over medium-high 5 minutes, stirring frequently and adding water, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, as needed to prevent sticking. Stir in tomato paste; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until there is some browning. Add tempeh and chili powder; cook 1 minute. Add broth, tomatoes, kidney beans, macaroni, and 2 cups water.
  • Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 20 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper. Top servings with scallions, cilantro, and/or jalapeño slices.
Nutritional Information:

Per serving (3¼ cups): 552 calories, 93 g carbohydrates, 36 g protein, 7 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 295 mg sodium, 26 g fiber, 12 g sugar

Note: Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only.

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Comments (2)

(5 from 1 vote)

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Jerry Mccants

This recipe was not bad at all I encourage everyone to give a try delicious

Geneva

Looks very good and definitely going to try it thank you

About the Author

Headshot of Nancy Macklin

About the Author

Nancy Macklin, RDN

Nancy Macklin has a bachelor of science in dietetics from Iowa State University and a Master of Science in health services administration from the University of Saint Francis. Macklin worked as a hospital-based clinical dietitian, providing counseling for diabetes, heart disease, and weight loss and as a food service director in health care dining sites. She now serves as a test kitchen dietitian, developing 500+ recipes per year. She is a member of the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics and International Association of Culinary Professionals. Find her on LinkedIn.
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