These 17 Meatless Chili Recipes Prove You Don't Need Beef (2024)

Pub-Style Vegetarian Chili

Recipe creator sanzoe says, "A spicy but flavorful chili recipe. Trust me, you won't miss the meat! We love to pair this with one of our favorite microbrews."

Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

Quinoa is a protein packed seed — that cooks up like a grain — which works perfectly as a base for filling vegetarian chili. With three pepper varieties included, a bowl of this recipe is sure to knock your socks off.

Summer Vegetarian Chili

"This recipe was delicious and so easy to make," says Ranessa. "My husband loved it, and anything that can get my husband to eat more veggies is wonderful!"

Skyline Lentil Chili

Cincinnati chili, a heavily spiced meat sauce that's often served over spaghetti, gets the meatless treatment with this lentil version. Don't skip the cinnamon or chocolate in the sauce; these add a distinct depth of flavor.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Reviewer *Sherri* says, "What a difference roasting the sweet potatoes makes in the flavor of the chili. I have made sweet potato chili before but the flavor of the sweet potatoes can get lost in the simmering."

Unbelievably Easy and Delicious Vegetarian Chili

This recipe name doesn't lie, with this ultra easy chili being ready in just 15 minutes. Taco seasoning and ranch seasoning are two shortcut ingredients that add big flavor without adding time.

Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili

Black and kidney beans combine with chickpeas for this legume-laden meal. For extra flavor, you can use fire-roasted canned tomatoes instead of plain diced tomatoes.

Instant Pot® Vegetarian White "Chicken" Chili

Traditional white chicken chili is made meatless here thanks to the use of faux chicken. Pinto beans and cauliflower slightly break down in the Instant Pot, adding to the creamy texture.

Meat-Lovers' Vegetarian Chili

Recipe creator J. Phillips says, "This is a thick, hearty vegetarian chili that is a hit at parties even among die-hard meat eaters. The TVP gives it the texture of ground beef, and the chiles give it a nice depth of flavor."

Colorado Green Chili

Hatch chiles are the star of this Colorado classic. Recipe creator YOUNGCM2, says "Goes great over breakfast burritos, cheeseburgers, fried eggs or anything."

Veggie Vegetarian Chili

Get your daily serving of vegetables in this veggie-packed recipe. Mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, corn, and tomatoes all combine for a boost of flavor and chunky texture.

Peanut Butter Chili

Recipe creator EuroGirl6 says, "Who would have thought beans and peanut butter could go together in harmony? They do, in this satisfying vegetarian chili." Peanut butter adds a distinct flavor and extra creamy texture.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

With this vegetarian chili, you'll find that "the extra step of roasting the sweet potatoes really concentrates the sweet, earthy flavors and gives the starchy chunks a marvelously meaty texture," says Chef John.

Vegan Chunky Chili

"If you are entertaining mixed palates, this meal will satisfy all tastes," says recipe creator Krista B. "A from-scratch chili that uses many different vegetables as well as beans, lentils and tofu to provide that 'full' feeling that chili with meat offers."

Lucie's Vegetarian Chili

Bring on the veggies with this variety-packed recipe. Classic choices like bell pepper and onions are used, along with more unusual contenders like carrots and celery. The end result is a refreshingly light dish.

Instant Pot® Protein-Packed Vegetarian Chili

This faux chili made in an Instant Pot® with vegetarian ground beef substitute. "It might even fool the most discerning of palates!" says thedailygourmet.

Vegan Taco Chili

With hearty ingredients like mushrooms and kidney beans, this vegan chili is ready to be spiced up with your best seasoning blends. Serve with your favorite taco toppings for a satisfying meal.

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