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.
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
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.
2. Vegetarian beer chili recipe
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
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
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
Photo credit: Simply Recipes
We’re loving the spices and variety of vegetables in this spicy vegetarian chili.
6. Vegetarian quinoa chili recipe
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen
This lentil and quinoa chili is vegan and delicious. Give it a try.
17. Smoky black bean chili recipe
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
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
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
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
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
